Part of the destruction caused by Iranian shelling in southern Israel (AFP)

Major General Rahim Safavi, the senior advisor to the Commander-in-Chief of the Iranian Armed Forces, stated that Iran launched more than 500 missiles during the recent confrontation with Israel, confirming the death of 16 pilots in the Israeli Air Force.

Safavi explained in his statements: “Just as the United States and Israel failed to achieve their goals during the previous war imposed on Iran, they also failed in the recent 12-day war.”

He added, “Israel sought to prolong the war, but ultimately suffered a strategic defeat and was forced to request a ceasefire through the United States, a clear indication of this entity’s incapacity against the capabilities of the Resistance Axis.”

The Iranian military official continued: “During this war, more than 500 missiles were launched towards the occupied territories, causing severe damage to Israeli facilities in Haifa and other areas, targeting refineries, power plants, and research centers belonging to the entity.”

He pointed out that in one of the missile strikes targeting the Israeli army’s pilot training center, at least 16 pilots were killed, although Israel prevents the publication of details about human and material losses.

Safavi concluded by saying: “The power of some missile strikes was like an earthquake, causing destruction over areas with a diameter of up to three kilometers.”

These statements come amid growing fears within Israeli circles of a possible surprise attack by Iran, especially given the economic pressures Tehran may face with the re-imposition of UN sanctions under the ‘Snapback’ mechanism related to its nuclear program.