First Iranian Comment on the Deployment of the THAAD System in Israel

Iranian Defense Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh commented on the US deployment of the THAAD system in Israel on September 20, saying that it comes within the framework of psychological warfare.

In a statement to the official Iranian News Agency (IRNA), Defense Minister Nasirzadeh confirmed that the system is not new and does not pose a major threat to Iran's military capabilities.

"We are assessing the situation and do not see any problem in deploying this system."

The US Department of Defense (the Pentagon) announced last Sunday the deployment of the THAAD system in Israel to enhance Israeli air defense amid escalating tensions with Iran following the ballistic missile attack on Israel.

With the deployment of the THAAD system, approximately 100 US soldiers will be deployed in Israel to operate the system in the face of the direct threat to Israel from any Iranian attack.

In early October, Iran fired about 200 missiles at Israel in response to the killing of Hezbollah and Hamas leaders in Beirut and Tehran.

In a phone call with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stressed that Iran will respond firmly if Israel is targeted.

Israel has threatened Iran with a “surprise, deadly and precise attack” to Tehran’s missile attack.