TEHRAN – Iran showcased its growing defense power in the True Promise Operation, a top military adviser to the Leader of the Islamic Revolution has stated.

In remarks on Wednesday, Major General Yahya Rahim Safavi highlighted the nation's missile capabilities during the retaliatory military operation.

Operation True Promise, launched on April 13, involved the Iranian Armed Forces firing dozens of drones and missiles at Israeli military bases in the occupied territories. It was a direct response to Israel's aggression against the Iranian diplomatic premise in Damascus on April 1, which resulted in the martyrdom of two IRGC generals and five accompanying officers.

"During Operation True Promise, more than 100 missiles were launched towards Israel in just 100 seconds, at a rate of one missile per second. The United States, Israel, and their regional allies never anticipated that Iran could execute such a precise and large-scale operation," the former IRGC chief revealed. 

General Rahim Safavi also elaborated on the international response, noting, "The Americans mobilized CENTCOM and EUCOM forces to the Mediterranean Sea, deploying over 250 fighter and support aircraft and ships equipped with anti-missile systems. They also utilized all their radars and those of some regional countries. Recently, the Pentagon released a report on Operation True Promise, acknowledging Iran's capabilities."

Emphasizing Iran's defensive stance, the general stated, "We do not seek territorial expansion, but if any country, including the United States, attacks us, we are capable of responding across the seas.”

Reflecting on the historical context, General Rahim Safavi remarked, "Just as the young generation of Iran under the leadership of Imam Khomeini performed miracles during the Iran-Iraq war, today's generation, under the leadership of the Leader of Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, will also achieve remarkable feats. One such feat was Operation True Promise, which astonished both the world and our enemies."

‘Strengthening national power and unity must be on next president’s agenda’

Turning to current events, General Rahim Safavi highlighted the significance of the June 28 presidential election, saying, "We hope that the Iranian people will elect a president who will strengthen national power and cohesion, address the country's challenges, and promote national unity. The president must avoid polarizing society and should not create any division."

The election was called after President Ebrahim Raisi lost his life along with seven others on May 19, when a helicopter carrying them crashed into a mountainous area in northwest Iran amid foggy weather.

In his concluding remarks, the general addressed Iran's international relations. "Currently, Iran's relations with Russia and China are relatively good. Additionally, we maintain relations with Europe and other countries as well."

Rahim Safavi's statements underscore the strategic and defensive priorities of Iran while calling for unity and effective leadership in the face of both internal and external challenges.