Why it matters:
The statement aims to reassure Iran’s public and signal to foreign adversaries, particularly the U.S. and Israeli regime, that Iran’s missile deterrence capabilities remain intact despite recent hostilities and reports of targeted strikes.
The big picture:
Over the past two decades, Iran has heavily fortified key defense and nuclear infrastructure underground to shield them from aerial and bunker-busting attacks. This strategy underpins Iran’s deterrence policy amid growing regional tensions and Western pressure on its missile and nuclear programs.
What he is saying:
“Almost all of our underground and mountain-based missile infrastructures are healthy and have no major problems,” Jalali said on Saturday.
“Operational measures for protecting missile bases and ammunition depots were designed and implemented over the past 20 years, and those facilities remain secure.”
He also praised the late commander General Amir Ali Hajizadeh for his technical leadership, highlighting his role in the simultaneous underground launch of five missiles — a feat requiring advanced engineering in heat, explosion, and guidance systems.
Key points:
- Jalali said Iran’s missile silos and underground facilities withstood the 12-day imposed war with “minimal damage.”
- He confirmed that only some entrances and exits sustained minor impacts.
- Iran has prioritized underground nuclear and missile facilities, such as Fordow and Isfahan, as part of its defensive engineering strategy.
- He dismissed foreign reports claiming the destruction of Iranian nuclear sites as “simplistic interpretations” of civil defense engineering.
Go deeper:
New Strategies to Counter Threats, Says Iran Army Chief
M.Majdi - Hossein Amiri
