Iran announced the strengthening of its combat and defensive capabilities, stressing that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps is fully prepared to confront any potential threat. Officials indicated that the country could employ underwater launched missiles and advanced air defence systems designed to prevent hostile aircraft from approaching Iranian territory, while confirming readiness to wage a prolonged war of attrition if escalation in the region continues.
The deputy commander in chief of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, General Ali Fadavi, announced during a televised program on Wednesday that Iranian forces had shot down an American F 15 fighter jet southwest of the capital Tehran. The statement marks the first detailed official comment since tensions with the United States sharply escalated, according to reports by the Iranian Fars News Agency and the state broadcaster Seda va Sima.
Fadavi added that Iran has reinforced its air defence systems to prevent any hostile aircraft from approaching the country’s borders, confirming that Iranian forces are prepared to confront any aerial threat. He further stated that Iranian forces may in the coming days deploy missiles launched from beneath the water, capable of reaching speeds of 100 meters per second. According to him, such technology is possessed only by Iran and Russia.
Escalation with the United States
The Iranian official also addressed recent military developments with the United States, stating that former US president Donald Trump has personally sought since yesterday to announce a ceasefire. However, he argued that the United States is facing a difficult situation in the region, adding that if it were victorious in the war it would not require international mediation to halt the fighting.
Fadavi also emphasised that the United States Navy has moved away from the vicinity of Iran, stating that no American naval vessel is currently within 700 kilometres of Iranian coasts. He added that Iran possesses specific plans to target American aircraft carriers should they approach.
The deputy commander of the Revolutionary Guard concluded by saying that Iran is prepared for a long war of attrition if the conflict continues, noting that such a scenario could carry significant economic consequences for the United States and the global economy.
Attacks on Fuel Ships in the Gulf
Meanwhile, maritime security and risk management agencies reported that two fuel carrying ships were attacked in Gulf waters near Iraq after being struck by armed boats believed to be affiliated with Iran. The attack triggered fires on board the vessels and resulted in the death of one crew member on Wednesday evening.
These incidents come as part of a series of attacks on ships linked to the United States and Europe. The number of vessels targeted since the beginning of the military escalation in the region has risen to at least sixteen ships.
Disruption of Navigation in the Strait of Hormuz
Maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has been significantly affected. Nearly one fifth of the world’s oil passes through the strategic waterway. Shipping activity has almost come to a near standstill since the American and Israeli air strikes on Iran began on 28 February.
The disruption has driven oil prices to levels not seen in global markets since 2022.
