IRGC commander claims Israeli missile defence systems ineffective against Iranian strikes

Commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), Major General Hossein Salami has said that Israeli Arrow missile defense systems have proven ineffective against Iranian strikes.

“American THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defense) systems also failed to provide adequate protection, jeopardizing Israel's position in its conflict with Iran,” he said, Caliber.Az reports via Russian media.

"Just as the Arrow missile defence systems failed during Operation 'True Promise-2', the THAAD systems will also prove ineffective. Do not hope for THAAD; its capabilities are limited. You have relied on the strength of your flawed missile defence systems, launching a projectile only to face a response that far exceeds your actions. You cannot win this conflict, we will destroy you,” he added.

The missile strike on Israel on October 1 has been referred to in Iran as "Operation True Promise - 2," drawing parallels to "True Promise - 1," which was an Iranian attack on Israel in April 2024 in response to an Israeli strike on the Islamic Republic's consulate in Damascus. 

"Some 98 per cent of this small country’s economy depends on the sea, should think more carefully, as its reckless decisions could strangely lead to the end of the [Israeli] regime," Salami added. 

On October 13, the US Department of Defense confirmed the deployment of a THAAD missile defence battery to Israel to counter potential ballistic missile attacks from Iran amid rising regional tensions. The THAAD ground system is designed to intercept the warheads of ballistic missiles during the terminal phase of their flight trajectory as they approach their targets. 

On October 21, Israel Public Broadcasting Corporation (KAN) reported that the THAAD battery, relocated to Israel by US armed forces, has been already used. Approximately 100 American service members are expected to operate and maintain the system. Iranian authorities have previously stated that THAAD would become a legitimate target for Tehran in case of an attack on Israel.

By Naila Huseynova