21-07-2025
Iran's Army Repairs Air Defenses for New War
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Iran has replaced air defence systems damaged during last month's clash with Israel, a senior military official said, as Tehran prepares for potential further military action with nuclear talks in the balance.
With both Iran and Israel rearming and accusations flying, the threat of a renewed war continues to loom over the Middle East.
Newsweek has reached out to the State Department as well as the foreign ministries of Iran and Israel.
Why It Matters
The restoration of Iran's air defenses highlights the growing risk of renewed conflict. Following coordinated Israeli and U.S. strikes on Iranian targets last month, Tehran accused Israel of acting with U.S. and NATO backing, framing the confrontation as part of a broader Western campaign. This escalation moves beyond a bilateral dispute, raising the possibility of a larger regional war involving multiple powers and proxy groups.
This photo provided Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025, by the Iranian Army, shows a missile system during a military drill, Iran.
This photo provided Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025, by the Iranian Army, shows a missile system during a military drill, Iran.
Mahdi Vaziri/AP Photo
What to Know
According to Iran's Defah Press news agency, Iranian air defence systems sustained significant damage during June's conflict when Israel took control of the skies over Iran for a short time, allowing them to carry out attacks with less resistance. Rear Admiral Mahmoud Mousavi, acknowledged the losses but stressed a swift recovery. "Some of our defense systems were damaged in this war; but with the efforts of my comrades the damaged systems were replaced and deployed in predetermined locations." he said.
Iran's military says it restored its air defenses using domestically developed systems. Its current arsenal includes the long-range Bavar-373 and Russian-supplied S-300 platforms. Defah Press did not report any recent imports of foreign-made equipment.
Status of Nuclear Talks
Meanwhile, Iran, France, Germany, and the United Kingdom are set to hold nuclear talks in Istanbul on Friday following warnings that the failure to resume negotiations could lead to international sanctions being reimposed on Tehran. The scheduled talks come after the foreign ministers of these E3 nations, along with the European Union's foreign policy chief, held their first call with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi late last week.
The E3, China, and Russia remain parties to the 2015 nuclear deal, which the Trump administration exited in 2018. Tehran says its nuclear programme is solely meant for civilian purposes.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius, German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier, European Union High Representative Federica Mogherini, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, British Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond and U.S. Secretary...
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius, German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier, European Union High Representative Federica Mogherini, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, British Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond and U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, from left, pose for a group photo following talks with Iran on their nuclear program in Vienna, Austria, Tuesday, July 14, 2015. World powers and Iran announce a long-term, comprehensive nuclear agreement. More
Ronald Zak/AP Photo
What People Are Saying
Iran's Rear Admiral Mahmoud Mousavi: "The Zionist enemy sought to destroy Iran's defence capabilities, and some of our defence systems were damaged in this war; But with the efforts of my comrades, the damaged systems were replaced and deployed in predetermined locations."
Israel's Military Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir: "The campaign against Iran is not over. We are entering a new phase."
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi: "If EU/E3 want to have a role, they should act responsibly, and put aside the worn-out policies of threat and pressure, including the 'snapback' for which they lack absolutely [any] moral and legal ground."
What Happens Next
With its air defenses restored and nuclear diplomacy back on the table, Iran is positioning itself for parallel military and political engagement as Western powers weigh whether to reimpose UN sanctions before an October 18 deadline.
