Iran's underground missile cities, stockpiles unscathed: IRGC

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
Today 13:38

Iran’s top military leaders stress full readiness, missile strength, and deterrence, emphasizing preparedness and restraint.

Missiles are launched in a military drill in Iran, led by the Islamic Revolution Guard Corps Aerospace Force, as seen in a photo released on January 15, 2021 (Sepahnews via AP)

Iran’s senior military leadership has emphasized the country’s continued readiness and resilience following the recent war that "Israel" waged, highlighting the strength of its missile capabilities and air defenses and reiterating a policy of deterrence while avoiding unnecessary escalation.

Forces maintaining maximum readiness: Mousavi

Major General Abdolrahim Mousavi, Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran, underscored the necessity of keeping the nation’s armed forces at the highest level of preparedness, insisting that “capabilities must be developed day by day.”

Addressing Iran’s approach to adversaries, specifically to "Israel", Mousavi noted that while enemies are naturally aggressive, it is unlikely they would attempt another reckless attack after the blow they were dealt. He stressed that the Iranian military closely monitors enemy movements, is not seeking war, but is always prepared to respond.

Mousavi also reiterated that Iran is fully aware of ceasefire rules and currently has no intention of taking offensive action, though any aggression against the country would trigger a different and decisive response.

Naqdi: Missile forces intact and fully operational

Brigadier General Mohammad Reza Naqdi, Deputy Coordinator of the Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC), confirmed that Iran’s underground missile cities and stockpiles remained completely unharmed during the war, describing the arsenal as intact, “not damaged even to the size of a mosquito wing.”

Naqdi further detailed that Iranian air defenses successfully shot down more than 140 hostile drones throughout the confrontation. He added that missile units were ready for launch from the first to the last day of the war, with underground infrastructure ensuring protection against any potential damage.

Highlighting Iran’s retaliatory capabilities, Naqdi warned that despite "Israel" and its allies’ advanced defense systems, they were unable to prevent Iranian missiles from reaching their intended targets. He also condemned the targeted assassinations of Iranian military leaders and nuclear scientists by "Israel", highlighting that these strikes deliberately targeted personnel in their homes alongside their families. Such a scenario, Naqdi admitted, was unprepared for by the Iranian leadership.

The IRGC Aerospace Force’s missile systems represent Tehran’s most significant strategic deterrent, designed to respond to a wide range of potential aggression scenarios. Iran has invested heavily in extensive underground missile cities and associated infrastructure, incorporating transporter erector launchers (TELs), mobile missile launch platforms, and reinforced underground silos.

Some silos are equipped with advanced revolving launch mechanisms, allowing missiles to be deployed autonomously and with minimal vulnerability to preemptive strikes.