Interceptor missiles are fired at Iranian drones and missiles launched at Israel, as seen over Tel Aviv on April 14, 2024. (Tomer Neuberg/Flash90)
A thousand new drones were delivered to Iran’s army, the semi-official Tasnim news agency reports, as the country braces for more friction with Israel and the United States under incoming US president Donald Trump.
The drones were delivered to various locations throughout Iran and are said to have high stealth and anti-fortification abilities, according to Tasnim.
“The drones’ unique features, including a range of over 2,000 kilometers, high destructive power, the ability to pass through defense layers with low Radar Cross Section, and autonomous flight, not only increase the depth of reconnaissance and border monitoring but also boost the combat capability of the army’s drone fleet in confronting distant targets,” the news agency adds.
Earlier this month, Iran started two-month military exercises, which have already included war games in which the elite Revolutionary Guards defended key nuclear installations in Natanz against mock attacks by missiles and drones.
Tehran has launched a number of drone and missile attacks on Israel since the start of the war sparked by the October 7 onslaught by its proxy, the Hamas terror group.
An IDF airstrike in Lebanon on January 13th, 2025 (Screenshot/X)
Israel launches biggest strikes since truce was implemented, citing Hezbollah’s repeated violations of the ceasefire.
By World Israel News Staff
The Israeli Air Force carried out extensive airstrikes against Hezbollah terror infrastructure and operatives in Lebanon during the early hours of Monday morning, as a truce between Israel and the terror group is set to expire in just two weeks.
In a statement, the IDF confirmed it had struck a rocket launching site, unspecified Hezbollah assets, and smuggling routes on the Lebanon-Syria border used by the terror group to obtain weapons.
The international group responsible for monitoring Hezbollah and ensuring the ceasefire is upheld “did not address” the threats to Israel, Jerusalem said.
“The IDF continues to act to remove any threat to the State of Israel and will operate to prevent any attempt by Hezbollah to rebuild its forces in accordance with the ceasefire understandings,” the military added.
According to Arabic-language media, the strikes occurred in the villages of Deir El Zahrani and Houmine El Faouqa in the Nabatiya region of southern Lebanon, as well as in the Bekaa Valley.
In late November, Hezbollah and Israel signed a 60-day ceasefire agreement, which is set to expire on January 27th, shortly after president-elect Donald Trump takes office.
There have been conflicting media reports regarding Israel’s post-ceasefire plans, including whether it will resume widespread strikes against Hezbollah targets.
Defense Minister Israel Katz hinted that the IDF could maintain a troop presence in the country – despite pledging to withdraw all of its soldiers by the end of the ceasefire – should the Lebanese army fail to clear southern Lebanon of Hezbollah operatives.
However, Biden administration envoy Amos Hochstein was reported to have recently promised Lebanese government officials that Israel would fully withdraw from the country by the time the ceasefire comes to an end.
The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) of Iran has revealed its latest loitering munition suicide drone (a.k.a. kamikaze drone), Rezvan, featuring a 20-kilometer range and the capability to fly for up to 20 minutes. This makes it the perfect weapon against Israeli settlements south of the Lebanese border.
The Tasnim News Agency reported that the Rezvan drone enhances the IRGC’s rapid response units, offering them new capabilities to combat terrorist groups, especially in challenging mountainous terrain.
However, in early 2025, Tehran may be more focused on strengthening its own capabilities, following significant setbacks: its proxy in Lebanon, Hezbollah, was heavily weakened by Israeli operations, and its key regional ally, the Assad regime in Syria, was toppled by rebel forces.
Iranian media outlets mentioned that the military plans to acquire 1,000 “strategic” drones in the near future.
The Rezvan loitering munition drone’s system. / Tasnim
The Rezvan is equipped with a forward-facing camera that transmits images back to the operator. After launch from a cylindrical launcher, the operator can choose and strike specific targets. This new drone bolsters the IRGC’s rapid response units, particularly enhancing their ability to confront unsuspecting civilians as well as military units in challenging mountainous environments.
Kamikaze drones are aerial weapons equipped with a built-in warhead, designed to hover over a target area until a target is identified, then attack by crashing into it. These drones provide faster reaction times against targets that emerge briefly, without risking high-value platforms in the vicinity. They also allow for more precise targeting, as the attack can be adjusted mid-flight or aborted.
Kamikaze drones occupy a unique position between cruise missiles and unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs). While they share features with both, they differ from cruise missiles by their ability to loiter around the target area for an extended period. Unlike UCAVs, which are reusable, Kamikaze drones are intended for a single use and are equipped with a warhead. Consequently, they can be viewed as a nontraditional ranged weapon.
Rep. Pat Fallon (R-Tx), Chairman of the House Military Personnel Subcommittee, tweeted on Saturday: “Iran’s Rezvan loitering munition and its growing drone capabilities underscores the need for the US to bolster its own defense capabilities. Innovative anti-drone defenses and countermeasures are essential to our military’s readiness.”
