Iranian Army Chief: New Security Situation in the Region

US Central Command distributed a photo of a fighter jet flying over a destroyer in Arab Gulf waters on August 15 (AFP)
US Central Command distributed a photo of a fighter jet flying over a destroyer in Arab Gulf waters on August 15 (AFP)
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Iranian Army Chief: New Security Situation in the Region

US Central Command distributed a photo of a fighter jet flying over a destroyer in Arab Gulf waters on August 15 (AFP)
US Central Command distributed a photo of a fighter jet flying over a destroyer in Arab Gulf waters on August 15 (AFP)

Iranian Army Commander-in-Chief Maj. Gen. Abdolrahim Mousavi commented, on Saturday, that a “new security situation has emerged in the region.”

The army chief said that the new situation presents opportunities for Iran but also brings significant threats.

“The world is in turmoil, awaiting the establishment of a new order,” he emphasized.

Mousavi pointed to a shift in tactics by adversaries, noting their turn towards cyber warfare, informational tactics, economic battles, and incitement of disturbances.

Mousavi’s remarks were made at the 24th meeting of the Supreme Assembly of Commanders of Iran’s Revolution Guards Corps in Tehran, according to “Fars” news agency.

“At the present time, the chaos of the capitalist system, the growing trend of Russia and China's confrontation with the US, and the de-dollarization trend in global transactions on the one hand and the authoritative presence of the Islamic Republic of Iran in the region on the other hand, have created suitable opportunities for our country,” he said.

Mousavi highlighted that, regionally, over the past four decades, Iran identified four primary centers of threats.

The first of these is the “US military presence in the region and its surrounding environment.”

The second he described as “threats from Israel, which for the past 75 years has embodied a source of conflict and war.”

“Over the past forty years, Israel has consistently been involved in conspiracies and malevolent activities against Iran,” noted Mousavi.

The third center of threat “relates to certain regional governments that have posed threats to Iran by fostering anti-security mechanisms and exhibiting costly behaviors.”

The fourth and final center is “terrorist organizations supported by the US and its regional allies.”

Mousavi believes that the threat against Iran today “has weakened compared to past decades.”

He added that “an effective regional defense model has been established to enhance deterrence against adversaries.”



Taiwan Holds First Live-Fire of US High-Tech Rocket Systems 

The Taiwanese military conducts its first High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) live-fire test launch at the Jiupeng base in Pingtung, Taiwan May 12, 2025. (Reuters)
The Taiwanese military conducts its first High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) live-fire test launch at the Jiupeng base in Pingtung, Taiwan May 12, 2025. (Reuters)
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Taiwan Holds First Live-Fire of US High-Tech Rocket Systems 

The Taiwanese military conducts its first High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) live-fire test launch at the Jiupeng base in Pingtung, Taiwan May 12, 2025. (Reuters)
The Taiwanese military conducts its first High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) live-fire test launch at the Jiupeng base in Pingtung, Taiwan May 12, 2025. (Reuters)

Taiwan conducted Monday its first live-firing of High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) purchased from the United States, as the self-ruled island upgrades its capabilities to repel a potential Chinese attack.

China claims Taiwan is part of its territory and has threatened to use force to bring the island under its control.

Taiwan would be massively outgunned in any war with China and for decades has been buying US military weapons and equipment as a deterrence against Beijing.

The first batch of 11 HIMARS were delivered to Taiwan in November.

The truck-mounted units can launch multiple precision-guided rockets at the same time, and has been used by Ukraine against Russia in their ongoing conflict.

AFP journalists watched Monday as Taiwan's army launched rockets from the HIMARS at the Jiupeng base in southern Pingtung County.

Washington severed official diplomatic relations with Taipei in 1979 in favor of Beijing, but has remained Taiwan's most important backer and arms supplier.

In the past five decades, the United States has sold Taiwan billions of dollars worth of military equipment and ammunition, including F-16 fighter jets and warships, angering China.