SAEDNEWS: Over the past 35 days, since the start of large-scale attacks by the United States and Israel under the name “Operation Epic Wrath,” the Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic have inflicted devastating blows on the enemy’s air force in the field of air defense.
According to a report by Saed News, citing Fars News Agency, over the past 35 days since the start of large-scale U.S. and Israeli attacks under the name “Operation Epic Wrath,” the armed forces of the Islamic Republic have reportedly inflicted heavy blows on enemy air power.
Enemy drones, cruise missiles, and advanced fighter jets have either been destroyed or forced into emergency retreat across various regions of the country.
Performance of Iran’s Air Defense in the Last 24 Hours
Cruise Missiles: Two enemy cruise missiles were intercepted and destroyed over the skies of Khomein and Zanjan.
Combat Drones: Two MQ-9 Reaper drones (each valued at approximately $17 million) were shot down over Isfahan. Additionally, one Hermes drone in Bushehr and one Lucas drone were also destroyed.
Advanced Fighter Jets: One F-15 fighter jet (worth about $110 million) was destroyed in central Iran, while another fighter jet was downed last night over Qeshm.
A-10 Thunderbolt II Close Air Support Aircraft: This aircraft was reportedly targeted and destroyed by Iran’s army air defense system. Equipped with a 30mm GAU-8/A cannon and designed for close air support (CAS) missions, the A-10 plays a critical role in enemy operations and is valued at around $25 million per unit.
Emergency Situations
A U.S. F-16 fighter jet reportedly declared an emergency (code 7700) over Iraqi airspace and was forced to retreat.
A KC-135 refueling aircraft also declared an emergency over Israel, transmitting code 7700, although the exact reason remains unclear.
Two HH-60W helicopters, deployed to search for the pilots of the downed F-15 in central Iran, were reportedly damaged during the operation.
Western media outlets, including The Washington Post, have published contradictory reports. Initially, it was reported that individuals involved were injured, but later claims suggested that all personnel were safe. These inconsistencies highlight limited access to reliable information and the pressures associated with ongoing combat operations.
Analysis of Trump’s Claim Versus Iran’s Air Defense Performance
U.S. President Donald Trump recently claimed that Iran’s air defense system had been completely destroyed. However, the reported interception of dozens of drones, the downing of F-15, F-16, F-18, and A-10 aircraft, and the emergency situation involving a KC-135 within just the past 24 hours suggest otherwise.
These developments indicate that Trump’s claim lacks credibility, while Iran’s ability to maintain control over its airspace and sustain combat operations remains intact. The reported successes not only impose significant financial and equipment losses on enemy forces but are also presented as a technical and operational achievement in air defense, demonstrating Iran’s deterrence capabilities.
