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In a bold move set to alarm Israel and the broader international community, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has announced plans to reveal two advanced military facilities—an underground missile city and a “floating city” capable of housing an array of ballistic and cruise missiles. According to IRGC officials, these facilities will be strategically positioned along the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman.
While Tehran insists it is ready for war, IRGC spokesperson General Ali Muhammad Naini emphasized that Iran will not be the one to initiate conflict in the region. However, he described the nation as “fully prepared for large-scale, complex battles.”
Military Drills and New Arsenal
The announcement coincided with the IRGC’s Beit al-Maqdis 19 military exercise and a series of war games scheduled for January. During these drills, the IRGC Aerospace Force plans to unveil both underground missile and drone storage facilities. The southern region of Iran will also host a cutting-edge underground city designed to accommodate the latest in missile technology.
Notably, the IRGC Navy has scheduled a war game in the Persian Gulf from January 18–23. Prior to that, 300 combat vessels are set to participate in a January 11 drill focusing on “smart traffic control” in the Strait of Hormuz—a critical chokepoint for global oil shipments. Later this month, on January 27, a naval parade featuring 2,000 military and civilian vessels will showcase Iran’s maritime strength. Two new warships, named in honor of martyrs Behman Bakeri and Reza Ali Delari, will join the IRGC Navy’s fleet.
A Warning to Israel
General Naini did not mince words when addressing Iran’s potential for retaliation. Referring to past operations against Israel, he claimed that the IRGC has only displayed a “small portion” of its military capabilities. He warned that Iran could strike Israel with “greater accuracy, speed, and destructive power” than ever before.
In 2024, Iran launched two major retaliatory operations targeting Israel. The first, on April 13, was named Operation True Promise and involved an attack on Israeli positions in the Golan Heights, conducted in collaboration with Hezbollah and other allies. The second, Operation True Promise 2, took place on October 1, with 200 ballistic missiles striking targets across Israel. General Naini suggested these actions were just a prelude to what Iran could unleash.
Israel Grapples with Conflict’s Mounting Toll
Meanwhile, Israel faces its own challenges. As the conflict in Gaza stretches into its 15th month, the death toll among Israeli soldiers continues to rise. On Monday, two soldiers from the Nahal Brigade’s 9302 Battalion were killed, and four others were seriously injured during combat in the northern Gaza Strip. This brings Israel’s military casualties in Gaza to 397.
According to the United Nations, Israel’s offensive in Gaza has been among the most devastating wars of the century, killing tens of thousands and leaving at least half the population in famine-like conditions. Approximately 7% of Gaza’s population has been killed or injured since October 2023. The World Health Organization has verified 654 attacks on healthcare facilities, resulting in 886 deaths.
Despite mounting international pressure, Israel has resisted calls to allow more humanitarian aid into Gaza. Negotiations brokered by Qatari and Egyptian mediators are ongoing, with the outgoing U.S. administration making a final push for a ceasefire before President Joe Biden leaves office.
