Video Shows Iranian Warplane Patrol Skies in Show of Force
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A video released by Iran's Mehr News Agency shows an Iranian MiG-29 fighter jet patrolling the skies, accompanied by a stern message from Tehran amid growing regional tensions.
The display of air power coincided with a declaration from Brigadier General Hamid Vahedi, Commander of Iran's Air Force, that the force remains fully vigilant and prepared to defend the country's airspace "under any circumstances."
Newsweek has reached out the State Department and Iran's foreign ministry for comment.
Why It Matters
The show of force comes as Iran demands guarantees from the United States that it will lift sanctions as part of any revived nuclear deal.
Iran's visible military activity and strong rhetoric underscore the country's effort to project strength amid fragile nuclear negotiations.
Tehran is currently reviewing a formal U.S. nuclear deal proposal. While Iranian officials have stated they will respond based on national interests and principles, significant disagreements persist, particularly concerning uranium enrichment and the lifting of sanctions.
In this picture released Feb. 7, 2023, by the official website of the Iranian Army, Commander of the Army Gen. Abdolrahim Mousavi, left, Chief of the General Staff of Iran's Armed Forces Gen. Mohammad Hossein...
In this picture released Feb. 7, 2023, by the official website of the Iranian Army, Commander of the Army Gen. Abdolrahim Mousavi, left, Chief of the General Staff of Iran's Armed Forces Gen. Mohammad Hossein Bagheri, center, and Commander of the Air Force Gen. Hamid Vahedi visit Oghab-44, or Eagle-44, underground airbase in an undisclosed location in Iran. More
Iranian Army/AP Photo
What to Know
Iran's Brigadier Vahedi emphasized the importance of "constant vigilance and quick response" for Iran's air defense forces. He called on his troops to maintain "continuous preparedness" and enhance their capabilities.
This warning comes as Israeli officials are considering carrying out military strikes against Iran's nuclear facilities even if a nuclear deal is finalized with the U.S., according to a report in the New York Times.
Iran Reviews U.S. Proposal
Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed that Omani Foreign Minister Badr Al-Busaidi delivered elements of a U.S. proposal during a recent visit to Tehran. Araghchi stated that Iran would respond appropriately, considering its national interests and the rights of its people.
The U.S. proposal, described by White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt as "detailed and acceptable," aims to address longstanding issues in the nuclear negotiations.
Tehran Demands Sanctions Relief
Iran has consistently emphasized the need for clear guarantees that sanctions will be lifted as part of any new nuclear agreement. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei reiterated this stance, stating that the U.S. has yet to clarify how it intends to remove what Iran considers oppressive sanctions.
Additionally, Iran insists on a right to continue uranium enrichment for civilian purposes, a point of contention in the negotiations. The U.S. has proposed alternatives, such as establishing a regional consortium for uranium enrichment outside of Iran, but Tehran has not accepted these terms.
A picture taken on November 10, 2019, shows an Iranian flag in Iran's Bushehr nuclear power plant, during an official ceremony to kick-start works on a second reactor at the facility. - Bushehr is Iran's...
A picture taken on November 10, 2019, shows an Iranian flag in Iran's Bushehr nuclear power plant, during an official ceremony to kick-start works on a second reactor at the facility. - Bushehr is Iran's only nuclear power station and is currently running on imported fuel from Russia that is closely monitored by the UN's International Atomic Energy Agency. MoreWhat People Are Saying
Iran's Brigadier General Hamid Vahedi: "Under any circumstances, the air force is vigilant and fully ready to defend the country's skies."
Esmaeil Baqaei, Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson: "We want to guarantee that the sanctions are effectively lifted... So far, the American side has not wanted to clarify this issue."
What Happens Next
With Iran actively reviewing the U.S. proposal while continuing uranium enrichment and demanding firm commitments on sanctions relief, the outcome of the talks will be critical in determining whether a new nuclear deal can be reached or if tensions will escalate further.
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