IRGC marks Op. True Promise 2, vows heavier response to 'Israel'

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Al Mayadeen
Today 12:48

Iran commemorates the anniversary of Operation True Promise 2, highlighting successful strikes against Israeli targets and warning of heavier future retaliation.

Jihad ballistic missile systems are displayed by Iran's Islamic Revolution Guard Corps during an annual armed forces parade, in Tehran, Iran, on September 21, 2024 (AP)

The Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) in Iran marked the anniversary of Operation True Promise 2, emphasizing that the October 2024 operation was more than a punitive response to Israeli attacks.

According to an IRGC statement, the strikes sent “a clear message to the enemy and the world alike,” declaring the end of what it described as the era of “low-cost threats". The statement added that “any new mistake will be met with a heavier, more precise, and more devastating response than previous operations.”

Targets inside occupied Palestinian territories

Executed using Iranian ballistic missiles and drones, the operation targeted strategic Israeli positions deep within the occupied Palestinian territories. The IRGC described its missile and drone force as “the true backbone of Iranian national security and dignity,” highlighting its ability to overcome enemy defensive systems.

Independent assessments confirm that the operation included a combination of Ghadr, Emad, and possibly hypersonic missiles, which struck vital Israeli military installations with high precision, as well as drone strikes against other strategic infrastructure.

Israeli defense systems tested

The IRGC noted that the results of the operation exposed the shortcomings of layered Israeli defensive systems, including the Iron Dome, Arrow, and David’s Sling systems, even with US support and NATO backing. According to the statement, the Israeli narrative could not mask the reality that Iranian strikes reached their intended targets with remarkable accuracy, undermining Israel’s perceived deterrence.

Context of the operation

Operation True Promise 2, launched at the start of October 2024, came in response to the targeted assassinations of senior figures, including Hezbollah Secretary-General martyr Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, IRGC Quds Force Lebanon officer martyr Brigadier General Abbas Neilforoushan, and Hamas political leader martyr Ismail Haniyeh, who was killed in Tehran. The operation was built on the earlier True Promise 1, executed in April 2024, following an Israeli attack on the Iranian consulate in Damascus, which resulted in the deaths of several military leaders and advisors.

Regional, international implications

The operation reflects Iran’s ongoing strategy to assert its military capabilities amid rising tensions with "Israel" and the United States. Analysts note that Tehran’s actions aim to deter further attacks against its regional allies while demonstrating the effectiveness of its missile and drone forces in circumventing advanced defense systems

The anniversary comes as US- and Israeli-instigated tensions continue to escalate, with Washington maintaining sanctions on Tehran and closely monitoring missile developments. Recent strikes and countermeasures have highlighted the fragile balance in the region and the potential for further escalation if military and diplomatic channels fail.