Speaking during a visit to one of the Army’s facilities for producing offensive combat drones, Major General Amir Hatami highlighted the Army’s current level of readiness and the agility of its forces, saying unmanned weapons, ranging from aerial and surface drones to micro-drones, have acquired a much wider range of applications and occupy a special place in Iran’s defense strategy.

Discussing the Army’s strategy for developing drones, particularly the Arash series, the commander said a significant part of the force’s equipment has been designed around these systems to ensure a strong presence in “asymmetric warfare.”

Major General Hatami added that the Army is actively engaged in the production, distribution, and maintenance of such weapons, while providing personnel with the necessary training to operate them. He said Army combatants have achieved a high level of proficiency, adding that the force has reached a considerable degree of maturity in drone technology and unmanned systems in general.

Emphasizing the readiness of all four branches of the Iranian Army, the commander said the force has used equipment in the previous asymmetric war that caught the enemy off guard and inflicted heavy blows.

Major General Hatami stated that the Army is now in a better position in terms of both the quantity and quality of equipment needed for such a conflict. He added that the force understands how the enemy would operate and has prepared to respond from the same directions and through the same means the enemy might use.

“We assure the dear people of Iran that we are in a good position,” he said, adding that Army personnel maintain high morale and are continuing to produce the equipment required for their missions.

The Army chief also highlighted the force’s activities east of the Strait of Hormuz, saying the Navy maintains a strong presence at sea and along the coast in that area of responsibility.

He described the presence as effective and said the enemy has not dared to enter the Sea of Oman because it has understood that a powerful force has control of the situation in the area.

Major General Hatami said the Army is monitoring developments and warned that any enemy vessel entering the area would “certainly be targeted.” He added that Iran regards the maritime blockade as part of the war and considers the party imposing it an enemy.

Referring to regulations announced by Iran governing maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, the Persian Gulf, and the Sea of Oman, Major General Hatami said the country has deployed various types of equipment to enforce the rules, including naval mines and some automated control systems.

He stressed that other countries should understand the circumstances imposed by American criminals and coordinate fully with Iran’s Armed Forces to avoid harm to themselves.