IRGC claims Iran downed over 200 enemy aircraft in recent conflict

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claims that Iran has downed more than 200 enemy aircraft, including both drones and manned aircraft, since the beginning of the current conflict. IRGC Deputy Commander Major General Mostafa Izadi described the engagement as a ‘hybrid war’ intended to destabilize Iran and force regime change.

Izadi asserted that the military operations failed to weaken Iran’s political system or access its nuclear industry. He further claimed that the conflict has caused internal instability in Israel and prompted scrutiny within the United States.

The escalation follows the termination of a ceasefire regime by US President Donald Trump on July 8, following US strikes on Iranian territory in response to an attack on a commercial vessel in the Strait of Hormuz. In retaliation, Iran launched strikes against US facilities in Bahrain, Jordan, Qatar, Kuwait, the UAE, and Oman, and has stated that the Strait of Hormuz remains closed.