IRGC Aerospace Force to Stage Massive Drills Soon: Commander

Speaking to the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB) in a footage released on Wednesday, which for the first time showcased one of the country’s underground missile bases, Brigadier General Hajizadeh pointed to domestically-made medium- and long-range missiles and underlined Iran’s military capabilities.

He described the military site, which is 500 meters (1,600 feet) underground, as the “tip of the iceberg” of the IRGC’s military might and said this is just one of the country’s numerous missile bases.

“We do not have the slightest concern about the latest and most advanced generation of satellites and spy equipment of the enemies of the Islamic Revolution,” the commander stressed.

He further said that a new generation of advanced ballistic missiles using liquid and solid fuels will replace the current missile productions next year.

Earlier in August, Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces Major General Hassan Firouzabadi underlined that the country’s missile tests will be carried out on schedule, according to plans endorsed by Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei.

During the nuclear negotiations between Iran and the Group 5+1 (Russia, China, the US, France, Britain and Germany), the United States and its allies exerted pressure on Iran over its military capabilities.

Iran, however, said it would only discuss its nuclear program as its missiles are solely employed as a deterrent against any potential foreign aggression.

Since the successful conclusion of the nuclear negotiations in Vienna on July 14, Iranian officials have time and again stressed that the country’s military capabilities would not be affected by the finalized text of the nuclear agreement- known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) – or a resolution that the United Nations Security Council passed later to endorse the JCPOA.