Mojtaba Khamenei defies ‘malicious’ attacks as US Army zeroes in on Iran’s 350,000 troops

Live updates

1. 2h ago

   Iran Leader Defies US Strikes as Army Targets 350,000 Troops

   Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei dismissed recent military operations as malicious attacks and praised domestic police for standing firm during wartime conditions. President Donald Trump countered that American strikes have heavily degraded Iran by destroying its navy and air force while leaving the country with fewer drones and missiles. Meanwhile, the United States Army published a new battlefield identification guide focused on Iran's conventional military, known as the Artesh, which features an estimated 350,000 ground personnel.

   Why it matters

   The escalating rhetoric follows a series of regional escalations involving U.S. and Israeli operations against Iranian targets, including strikes near the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian military leadership maintains that internal security indicators are improving despite facing two active wars. Washington continues to project military readiness as coalition forces intercept incoming ballistic missile fire from Iranian-backed groups in the region.

   What is confirmed

   • Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei claimed U.S. and Israeli strikes failed to weaken Iran's military and domestic security forces.
   • President Donald Trump stated that Iran's navy and air force have been destroyed and its military capabilities significantly degraded.
   • The U.S. Army released a new battlefield identification guide to help troops recognize members of Iran's conventional military, the Artesh.
   • The Jerusalem Institute for Strategy and Security estimated Iran's Artesh ground forces at 350,000 personnel in June.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Mojtaba Khamenei warned that American bases in the region will no longer have a safe haven following U.S. strikes.

   What to watch next

   • Further deployment or operational actions resulting from the U.S. Army's new battlefield identification guide for Artesh forces.
   • Additional ballistic missile activity or coalition interceptions involving Iran-backed groups in the region.
   Sources used for this update (12)

   1. Fox News — Mojtaba Khamenei defies ‘malicious’ attacks as US Army zeroes in on Iran’s 350,000 troops
   2. تسنیم — Leader Lauds Police Force for Safeguarding Iran’s Security
   3. خبرگزاری دفاع مقدس — Law Enforcement Forces Stood Firm and Resolute Amidst Wartime Conditions
   4. www.saba.ye — Iranian Chief of Staff: Security indicators have improved, internal security forces withstood enemy attacks
   5. National Council of Resistance of Iran - NCRI — Mojtaba Khamenei Hails Police as a “Pillar” as Bombing and Recession Undercut Show of Strength
   6. ABNA English — Iran’s security indicators improve despite two wars, military chief says
   7. www.foxnews.com — Trump denounces Houthi attacks after Saudi crown prince call as coalition intercepts missiles
   8. www.yahoo.com — Mojtaba Khamenei defies ‘malicious’ attacks as US Army zeroes ...
   9. www.europesays.com — Khamenei claims US strikes failed as Army releases Iran ...
   10. www.whmi.com — WHMI 93.5 FM Radio Station — Livingston County Michigan
   11. internewscast.com — Mojtaba Khamenei Defies Attacks as US Army Eyes 350,000 ...
   12. www.wionews.com — ‘America won’t have safe haven for mischief’: Mojtaba’s ...
   confidence 100%