Iran’s Air Defense Forces proudly announced that its forces have successfully intercepted and destroyed more than 130 Israeli unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) since the Israeli regime’s unprovoked aggression began on June 13.

According to a statement released on Monday, Iranian air defense units identified and neutralized a wide range of hostile drones, including advanced models such as “Hermes 900,” “Hermes 45,” “Heron,” and “Harop”, all of which were actively attempting to infiltrate Iranian airspace in violation of international norms.

“In recent days, our air defense units successfully neutralized several enemy UAVs, including the Israeli regime’s ‘Hermes 900’ and ‘Hermes 45’ models,” the Iranian Air Defense Command stated, reaffirming the country’s steadfast commitment to protecting its sovereignty and people from foreign threats.

The successful drone interceptions come in the wake of a brutal and unprovoked Israeli airstrike on Iranian soil on the morning of June 13, which resulted in the martyrdom of several senior military and scientific leaders of the Islamic Republic. Among those killed were General Mohammad Bagheri, Chief of the Iranian Armed Forces General Staff; Major General Hossein Salami, Commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC); Lieutenant General Gholam Ali Rashid, commander of the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters; as well as six prominent nuclear scientists and other high-ranking personnel.

The attack, viewed across the Muslim world as a reckless and criminal act of aggression, ignited widespread condemnation and galvanized Iran's right to a legitimate and proportionate military response.

In a matter of hours, the Islamic Republic launched “Operation True Promise III”, a strategic retaliatory campaign aimed at punishing the Zionist regime for its atrocities. Hundreds of precision-guided ballistic missiles and combat drones were deployed by the IRGC, striking high-value targets across occupied Palestine, including military bases, intelligence centers, and installations in Tel Aviv.

The Iranian strikes were described by military analysts as “highly coordinated and effective,” demonstrating Iran’s ability to deliver a powerful deterrent blow despite ongoing provocations. The operation caused widespread damage and inflicted casualties among Zionist occupation forces, shaking the core of Israel’s so-called deterrence posture.

Iran’s downing of more than 130 enemy UAVs highlights the advanced capabilities of the nation’s integrated air defense network, and signals a major failure in the Zionist regime’s intelligence and military operations. While Israeli drones attempted to gather information and prepare the ground for further strikes, Iran’s vigilance and readiness neutralized the threat with precision and speed.

Military experts in Iran assert that the interception of such a large number of drones in a short span is unprecedented and reflects the effectiveness of Iranian domestically developed radar systems, jamming technologies, and anti-aircraft weapons.

This week’s developments send a strong message to Tel Aviv and its Western backers: the Islamic Republic will not hesitate to defend its sovereignty and honor against any form of aggression. The Iranian Armed Forces reiterated that any further attacks by Israeli regime or its allies will be met with even more devastating retaliation.

“The days when Iran would remain silent in the face of crimes are over,” stated a senior IRGC commander. “Every drop of blood spilled unjustly will be avenged with determination and faith.”

As tensions continue to rise, voices across the Islamic world have expressed solidarity with Iran and condemned the Israeli-American axis for their role in destabilizing the region and shedding the blood of innocent people.

In the eyes of the Islamic Ummah, Iran’s strength and steadfastness serve as a beacon of resistance and dignity in the face of tyranny, occupation, and imperial aggression. (ILKHA)