'Outrageous, ridiculous demands': US slams Iran as Tehran warns to 'rain down hell'

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) recently announced that its forces engaged and shot down at least 260 hostile aircraft during its conflict with the United States. These aircraft included F-35, F-16, F-5, and F-18 fighter jets, as well as MQ-1, RQ-4, Orbiter, and Lucas drones, according to the Mehr News Agency.

Brigadier General Hossein Mohebbi, the IRGC Spokesperson, boldly asserted that Tehran had achieved technological superiority over its adversaries. He boasted that Iran had successfully intercepted seven MQM-170 reconnaissance drones, describing it as a demonstration of the country's military prowess.

The IRGC spokesperson claimed that Iran had rapidly shifted its missile and drone production lines from surface facilities to underground "missile production cities." These new facilities employed domestic technical capabilities and exploited geographical advantages to bolster the nation's defence industry.

With these developments, Iran now boasts advanced capabilities, according to Mohebbi. He predicted that if another war erupts, the world would be astonished by the IRGC Aerospace Force's new capabilities and the strength it wields.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps also announced plans to export defense equipment such as the Arman missiles, the 358 loitering munition, and the Khordad-3 air defense system, while simultaneously meeting domestic demands. This strategic shift marks a significant achievement for Iran's national defense sector.

In contrast, the United States and Israel conducted extensive strikes on Iranian nuclear and military installations between 2025 and 2026, claiming their actions were aimed at preventing Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons and deterring its nuclear ambitions. U.S. President Donald Trump downplayed the confrontation, insisting it should not be considered a war.

He claimed that Washington had made significant progress in resolving the issue with Iran and had increased oil production compared to pre-conflict levels. Trump emphasized that the conflict did not result in any casualties or damage, arguing that it was not a war.

The intense military campaign and its economic consequences have been cited as factors contributing to the Republican Party's poor performance in the US midterm elections. Rising fuel prices and the cost of living became a liability for Trump and Republican candidates, particularly among voters who preferred the administration to focus on domestic concerns rather than a foreign conflict.