Iran downed 170 US and Israeli drones during war: commander 

A senior Iranian commander says the country’s air defense forces successfully intercepted 170 enemy drones during the US-Israeli aggression against the Islamic Republic. 

Brigadier General Amir Alireza Elhami, commander of the Khatam al-Anbiya Joint Air Defense Headquarters, made the remarks in a televised address on Saturday, commemorating April 18, designated as National Army Day.

Elhami conveyed his message of congratulations to the Iranian nation, noting that this day “belongs not only to the army but to all the dear Iranian people.”

While expressing condolences for the martyrdom of Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei and military officials, he highlighted the exemplary performance of Iran’s air defense network in countering enemy threats during the US-Israeli-imposed war. 

Elhami further noted that Iranian air defense units successfully downed over 170 advanced enemy drones, including sophisticated reconnaissance drones such as the Hermes 900, MQ-9, and Heron, equipped with self-defense weaponry and high-tech surveillance capabilities.

"These were not mere basic drones; they were equipped with weaponry for self-defense and advanced technological reconnaissance tools,” he said.

The commander further stated that a significant achievement was the interception of an advanced American MQ-4 Type C reconnaissance aircraft over the Persian Gulf, a success that soon led to US acknowledgment of Iran's air defense capabilities.

He further classified the achievements of the air defense as extending beyond drone interceptions, declaring that numerous advanced enemy fighter jets, including the F-35, F-15, F-16, F-18, and A-10, had also been neutralized. 

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He went on to say that the ability to neutralize such sophisticated aircraft reflects the readiness and capabilities of the country’s armed forces in safeguarding the Iranian airspace. 

Elhami further noted that Iran’s ground, air, and naval forces have committed their utmost efforts to safeguard the country’s land, air and sea borders, calling on the people to remain steadfast in their support for members of Iranian armed forces. 

In response to the enemy's claims regarding the destruction of Iran's air defense capabilities, he said, “The answer to this unfounded accusation can be encapsulated in one question: Who was responsible for the destruction of 170 types of enemy drones? What brought down the enemy's F-15, F-35, F-18, F-16, and A-10 fighter jets?"

On February 28, the United States and Israel initiated a large-scale and unprovoked war against Iran, assassinating Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei and several high-ranking military commanders.

In response, Iranian armed forces carried out a series of retaliatory missile and drone operations against US and Israeli military assets for over 40 days, which resulted in significant damage.

A two-week ceasefire was brokered on April 8, followed by negotiations in Islamabad, where Iran proposed a ten-point plan seeking US troops' withdrawal and the lifting of sanctions.

Despite 21 hours of intensive discussions, the negotiations ended without an agreement, with Iran citing excessive demands from the US.

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