US, Israel Agree to Improve Air Defenses

The US and Israel signed a deal for updated air defense operational cooperation. (EPA)
The US and Israel signed a deal for updated air defense operational cooperation. (EPA)
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US, Israel Agree to Improve Air Defenses

The US and Israel signed a deal for updated air defense operational cooperation. (EPA)
The US and Israel signed a deal for updated air defense operational cooperation. (EPA)

Israeli Air Force (IAF) representatives met this week with US air defense officials to discuss improving air defense systems during emergency situations for both countries.

A statement from the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Spokesperson’s Unit announced that the purpose of the meeting was to improve the “collaborative readiness of the forces for the joint defense of Israel.”

The two countries signed a deal for updated air defense operational cooperation.

Israel tested its air defense capabilities last May during the 11-day war on Gaza, during which it intercepted about 4,000 missiles.

The meetings were chaired on the Israeli side by the commander of the Israeli Air Force’s Air Defense System, Brig-Gen Gilad Biran, and Brig-Gen Greg Brady, commander of the 10th US Air and Missile Defense.

Meanwhile, the Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and US security and aerospace company Lockheed Martin signed an agreement for collaboration in integrated air and missile defense (IAMD) systems.

Under the collaboration, the companies will explore potential joint opportunities in areas such as R&D, production, marketing, and other activities.

Sources in Tel Aviv said that the Israeli company would present its outstanding military experience, as it is the most widely used anti-aircraft device in the world.

Israel’s expertise can also be used in US weapons such as Patriot missile launch batteries and advanced radars for use in Israel itself.

The US forces in Europe and Africa intend to build a headquarters for their executive command at the Hatzor Air Base in southern Israel, which boasts three army headquarters. It was built between 2014 and 2019.

Sources confirmed that part of the construction was completed in recent months, and a special wing of the Operations Command with an area of 700 square meters will be built soon.

The US Army is looking for an Israeli contractor to carry out the work, which, according to the plan, will include 152 officers and soldiers.



Iranian President: We Must Manage Relationship and Confrontation with the US Ourselves

Photo published by the Iranian presidency on Tuesday of a meeting chaired by Pezeshkian.
Photo published by the Iranian presidency on Tuesday of a meeting chaired by Pezeshkian.
TT

Iranian President: We Must Manage Relationship and Confrontation with the US Ourselves

Photo published by the Iranian presidency on Tuesday of a meeting chaired by Pezeshkian.
Photo published by the Iranian presidency on Tuesday of a meeting chaired by Pezeshkian.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian called on Tuesday for the “management” of the tense relations between Tehran and Washington, emphasizing the need to “deal with enemies with patience.” This statement comes a week after Donald Trump’s victory in the US presidential election.
According to official media, Pezeshkian told current and former senior officials in the diplomatic sector that Iran cannot ignore its longstanding adversary, the United States.
“Whether we like it or not, we will have to engage with the United States on both regional and international fronts; therefore, it is better that we manage this relationship and confrontation ourselves,” he stated.
Pezeshkian was speaking at an “advisory” meeting on foreign policy with former Iranian FMs and members of his administration, including Ali Akbar Velayati and Kamal Kharazi, the top advisors to the Supreme Leader on international affairs and foreign policy, along with former foreign minister and head of the Atomic Energy Organization, Ali Akbar Salehi.
The Iranian presidency’s website quoted Pezeshkian as saying that his administration’s approach to foreign policy would be “within the framework of a comprehensive strategy aligned with the directives of the governing system,” indirectly referencing Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
The reformist-backed president stated: “We must treat our friends generously and approach our enemies with patience,” underscoring the importance of managing foreign relations and addressing international tensions to solve internal issues and promote development.
Several officials in Pezeshkian’s administration, along with pro-government newspapers, have hinted at discussions on the possibility of high-level negotiations with the Trump administration.
Earlier on Tuesday, government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani stated that Iran would pursue whatever serves its “interests,” in response to a question on potential direct talks with the Trump administration.
“The government will strive to achieve whatever ensures the country’s interests and the values of the revolution,” she said, according to the government’s ISNA news agency.
She added that the final decision on negotiations rests with Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and the Supreme National Security Council under his authority.