WANA (Mar 26) – Brigadier General Abolfazl Shekarchi, spokesperson for Iran’s Armed Forces General Staff, stated that Iran holds air superiority in the region, asserting that Israeli airspace is effectively under the control of the IRGC’s aerospace forces and the army’s drone units. He described this as a result of strategic developments following the recent conflict.

 

He referred to the war imposed on Iran, which he said began due to miscalculations by Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu. According to him, their assumption was that Iran was weak and lacked public support—an assessment he said proved entirely wrong.

 

Shekarchi emphasized that after the 12-day war, Iran shifted its military doctrine from defensive to offensive. He clarified that this does not mean initiating aggression, but rather that any act of hostility against Iran will be met with decisive, sustained retaliation until the aggressor is neutralized.

 

He further stated that the United States, despite decades of military presence in West Asia, failed to defend its bases, many of which were destroyed. This, he argued, reflects a decline in U.S. military power.

 

The spokesperson added that key infrastructure in Israel also suffered serious damage during the conflict, while Iran’s military capabilities have continued to grow rapidly, including advancements in air defense systems.

 

Addressing what he described as psychological warfare by adversaries, Shekarchi said claims about weakening Iran’s armed forces are unfounded and part of propaganda efforts, stressing that Iran’s military strength remains fully intact.

 

He also criticized U.S. policies in the region, saying they have led to increased instability rather than security, and noted that many investors no longer trust the United States as they once did.

 

On the Strait of Hormuz, Shekarchi stated that Iran maintains full control over this strategic waterway and that any decisions regarding it will be based on national interests and prevailing conditions.

 

In conclusion, he called for unity among Muslim countries, stating that Iran is ready to share its defense experience, provided a united front is formed against what he described as global arrogance.