The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps Navy (IRGCN) has recently upgraded its arsenal by delivering advanced missile systems, drones, and electronic warfare equipment. Among the new additions are radar-evading cruise missiles designed to sink destroyers, and for the first time, a "silent drone has been incorporated into the IRGCN's fleet."
This development comes amid rising tensions following the assassinations of Haniyeh (Hamas) and Fuad Shukr (Hizballah) in Tehran and Beirut, with Iran vowing to avenge. However, Tehran is probably deliberating over the timing and nature of its response against Israel, asserting that the ongoing fear and "hysteria" in Israel itself are part of the retaliation, which will ultimately come "at a time and place of the leadership's choosing."
"Kayhan" newspaper, the mouthpiece of the Supreme Leader, along with most other Iranian media outlets, has been filled with front-page stories quoting Israeli media and politicians, including opposition leader Yair Lapid, highlighting the growing concerns and what they describe as in Israel over an imminent Iranian attack and the broader threat from the Axis of Resistance.
The Iranian regime meticulously tracks Israeli print and broadcast media, quickly translating and spreading any reports critical of the Israeli government—particularly those related to the hostage situation and opposition to the ongoing war in Gaza—across numerous social media platforms and subsequently in the Iranian press.
Iran Unveils Deadly Cruise Missiles and Silent Drones
According to the IRGC-affiliated News Agency "Tasnim," the IRGCN recently upgraded its arsenal. In a ceremony attended by IRGC chief commander Major General Hussein Salami, the naval force delivered 2,654 new systems, including 2,640 missile systems, drones, and other equipment. Among the deliveries were radar-evading cruise missiles capable of causing severe damage and sinking destroyers, long-range and medium-range missiles, combat and reconnaissance drones, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) with electronic warfare (EW) capabilities, and various electronic warfare systems. Young Journalist Club (YJC) said "silent drone" was incorporated into the IRGC Navy (IRGCN) for the first time.
During the ceremony, Major General Salami stated, "In today’s world, nations must choose between becoming strong and independent or giving in to external pressures; there is no middle ground…Nations can either strive for strength and freedom, breaking free from the control of global powers or opt for compromise and submission."
He elaborated on naval power's strategic importance: "The Sea is a vast arena where all military powers converge, making it a critical meeting point for global forces…Naval combat and defense represent a comprehensive level of warfare. The sea is a complete battlefield, and naval powers are typically self-sufficient in all aspects of combat".
Salami emphasized the essential elements of naval warfare, stating, At sea, speed equates power, allowing one to outmaneuver the opponent. Precision is crucial, and the volume of fire is less important than accuracy. You must be able to destroy a target with a single hit…In naval operations, utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) across all levels, from vessels to missiles, defenses, submarines, and mines, is a crucial objective."
In this regard, IRGC published photos and videos of ships from Spain (Juan Carlos I helicopter carrier), the US amphibious ship USS San Antonio, and a US Wasp-class amphibious assault ship, which it claims to have conducted surveillance in the Gulf. According to the IRGCN announcement, the video, captured by a four-drone squadron, delivered real-time, detailed footage of every warplane and military equipment on the carrier's deck.
The arrival of these new systems occurs against a backdrop of escalating regional tensions, particularly following the high-profile assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, as well as the elimination of Fuad Shukr, a senior Hezbollah commander and close aid to Nasrallah in Beirut.
Brigadier General Esmail Qa’ani, Commander of the IRGC-QF, said, "As the Leader stated it, we consider it to be our duty to avenge his [Haniyeh's] blood following the sad incident of his assassination in the Islamic Republic…There is no doubt that the blood of this noble martyr will have an impact on the severe punishment of the Zionist regime at the hands of the Islamic Republic…The heroic struggle of your brothers in the Islamic (Axis of) Resistance will intensify the effect of this punishment and lead to the elimination of this ominous (Israel) phenomenon as soon as possible."
IRGC deputy commander-in-chief (and former IRGCN Commander), Rear Admiral Ali Fadavi, said (August 8) that Iran was determined to follow the Supreme Leader's orders to "severely punish" Israel " in the most effective way possible...The Supreme Leader's orders regarding the severe punishment of the occupiers and the revenge for the blood of Martyr Haniyeh are clear and explicit." Fadavi added, "The selection of AlSinwar ( to replace Haniyeh as the head of Hamas' political bureau ) signifies that the resistance line initiated by Hamas will continue until the end."
Meanwhile, Ali Shamkhani, a senior aide to Khamenei and former SNSC chief, has said that "legal, diplomatic and media processes that have gone through" have prepared the grounds for "severe punishment of a regime that only understands the language of force". He added that The sole purpose of the attack on worshippers at the Taba'een school in Gaza and the assassination of Haniyeh in Iran was to provoke aggression and sabotage the ceasefire negotiations.
In a statement published by Iran's foreign ministry on 10 August, Kanani demanded an "immediate and effective action by the UNSC based on the seventh chapter of the United Nations Charter to curb and stop excessive crimes," adding that the only way to deal with the "Zionist regime" is the strong and decisive action of the Islamic world in practical support of the Palestinians and their legitimate resistance against occupation and aggression."
Ayatollah Ahmad Khatami, the interim Friday prayer leader in Tehran, also echoed the leader's warning, saying that Iran will take "harsh revenge" for Haniyeh's killing in Tehran, but "when, where and how to hit will be determined by the establishment… Let the Zionist regime live in constant terror and remain in a state of fear".
Khatami termed the US as complicit in "all Israel's crimes" against Palestinians in Gaza and in the Haniyeh assassination, adding that electing AlSinwar as the new leader of Hamas indicates that the resistance will continue until the destruction of the Israeli regime."
Iran's mission to the United Nations stated yesterday that while Iran's primary focus is on "achieving a lasting ceasefire in Gaza," Tehran retains its "legitimate right to self-defense" in light of Israel's recent "act of terrorism," which has "violated" Iran's "national security and sovereignty."
When questioned about the possibility of delaying retaliation until after the August 15 ceasefire talks, the mission emphasized that Iran's anticipated response is "completely separate from the Gaza ceasefire."
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