General Ali Mohammad Naeini, spokesman for the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard, was killed in an airstrike carried out by the US and Israel, according to a statement from Iranian national news agency IRIB on March 20.
The information was released just hours after Mr. Ali Mohammad Naeini affirmed that Iran's missile production capacity remained stable during wartime. He said the missile industry reached its maximum level in the country's assessment system and did not have difficulty increasing the number or maintaining stockpiles.
In a previous statement, he emphasized that Iran will continue to produce missiles even when conflict occurs and said that this is proof of its ability to maintain military strength. He also declared that the war will last until Tehran no longer feels threatened, and reflected the people's expectation of continuing to fight until the opponent is completely weakened.
His statement is seen as a response to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's statement that Iran has lost its ability to enrich uranium and produce ballistic missiles after 20 days of fighting. Netanyahu affirmed that Israel is coordinating with the US to completely eliminate Iran's military capabilities, including missile and nuclear programs.
According to Israel, Iran's missile and drone stockpiles have been significantly reduced, while military component manufacturing facilities have also been attacked. US President Donald Trump previously announced that about 80% of Iran's missile launch capability has been destroyed, and the Israeli military said it has collapsed more than 300 missile launchers since the conflict began.
However, Iran continues to conduct ballistic missile launches targeting Israeli territory and US bases and infrastructure in many Gulf countries. Some experts believe that initial attacks may use older missiles to extend the enemy's air defense system, while more modern weapons are retained for strategic periods.
According to closed-door meetings with the US Congress, Iran may still have up to half of its missile depots and launchers hidden in underground bunkers. Some US officials admit they do not have full information about Iran's missile launch sites, showing that Tehran's military capabilities are still an unpredictable factor in the conflict.
