IRGC General: We Have Plans to Acquire F-22 and F-35 Fighter Jets to Counter Israel
In a bold statement that’s sent shockwaves across the Middle East, a senior Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) general has revealed that Iran is actively planning to acquire advanced fighter jets, including the U.S.-made F-22 and F-35 models, to bolster its air force capabilities and counter threats posed by Israel.
General Amirali Hajizadeh, the commander of the IRGC’s aerospace division, made these comments amidst escalating tensions between Iran and Israel, which have been at loggerheads over Iran’s nuclear ambitions and its involvement in regional conflicts.
"We have plans to manufacture and purchase various types of advanced aircraft, including the F-22 and F-35. We are not concerned about arms embargoes or challenges posed by the West," Hajizadeh stated, as reported by the semi-official Fars News Agency.
This declaration comes on the heels of Israel’s repeated threats to Precision strike Iranian nuclear facilities and as Tehran continues to enrich uranium beyond the limits set by the 2015 nuclear deal, raising concerns among Western powers and Israel.
In recent months, Iran has also stepped up its military activities and exercises, including the deployment of its elite Quds Force to the West of Iran near the Iraqi border and the testing of a new medium-range missile capable of carrying multiple warheads.
Iran, however, maintains that its military exercises and developments are purely defensive in nature, aimed at protecting the country against external threats. The Islamic Republic has often justified its military advancements as a deterrent against what it perceives as American aggression in the region, following the Trump administration’s withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal and the reimposition of stringent economic sanctions.
As the standoff between Iran and Israel continues, with each side issuing stark warnings and threats, the regional dynamics remain volatile. The international community is keeping a close eye on developments, hoping to prevent a full-blown conflict that could have devastating consequences for the entire Middle East.
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