WANA (Jul 09) – Major General Mohsen Rezaei, former IRGC commander during the Iran–Iraq War, said in a special televised interview that around 80 Israeli drones were shot down in recent clashes, with the wreckage of 32—including advanced Hermes and Hermon models—now in Iran’s possession. According to him, Iranian radar systems recorded 80 successful hits.

 

Rezaei analyzed the recent 12-day conflict between Iran and Israel, claiming that despite extensive propaganda, Tel Aviv and Washington suffered heavy defeats politically, socially, and militarily. He cited official Israeli figures, estimating the cost of the war at around $20 billion, and claimed that the munitions used equaled two years of U.S. THAAD missile production.

 

He also pointed to the media and psychological goals of the propaganda campaign, saying the U.S. and Israel were trying to sow doubt among the public and downplay Iran’s achievements through narrative manipulation. He argued this kind of deception mirrors tactics used in nuclear negotiations.

 

The former IRGC commander also alleged the existence of a joint Israeli–U.S. seven-stage plan to undermine Iran, ultimately aimed at securing control of the region all the way to China’s borders. According to Rezaei, the stages included assassinating senior Iranian leaders, creating chaos, infiltrating anti-regime groups through the borders and into Tehran, fragmenting Iran, bombing infrastructure, disarming breakaway regions, and achieving full control of regional airspace.

 

First Footage of Downed Israeli Drone Captured by Iran’s Army Air Defense over Isfahan

 

Rezaei stressed that in the first stage—the assassination of senior Iranian leaders—the enemy failed, saying even attacks on Supreme National Security Council meeting sites had no effect. He claimed about 10% of the first stage’s goals were achieved, but that subsequent stages, such as fostering chaos and breaking up Iran, had failed completely. He assessed the overall success of the plan at roughly 30%, describing it as limited to minor levels.

 

He estimated Israel’s military failure at 65% and its political and social failure at about 80%, claiming Tel Aviv and Washington gained little despite their heavy spending.

 

Rezaei went on to say that the massive popular mobilization in response to recent attacks thwarted the enemy’s project. He described this mobilization as “a fundamental transformation and a new revolution” in Iran, saying the public went beyond unity to provide practical support—uncovering safe houses, assisting the wounded, and playing a media role.

 

Drawing on the experience of the Islamic Revolution and the Iran–Iraq War, he emphasized that Iran’s main source of power is its people, arguing this is what has defeated enemy plans. He said it is the duty of revolutionary forces to preserve and strengthen this popular movement, urging the public not to let it lose momentum.