Iran Flaunts 'Longest-Range Drone' at Military Event, Sends Strong Message to Israel

Iran marked the anniversary of its conflict with Iraq by holding a large military parade in the nation's capital, Tehran, where it displayed a variety of cutting-edge weapons, including what it dubbed "the longest-range drone in the world." Iranian official media televised the event, demonstrating the country's military might and delivering a message to regional and international observers.

Drones with names like Mohajer, Shahed, and Arash were among the standout attractions. The "longest-range drone in the world" was unveiled during the military parade, according to Iran's state media, though no particular technical information was supplied.

Iran Flexing Its Military Power

Iran has developed the Mohajer-10 drone, which has enhanced flight range, endurance, and payload. State media say the Mohajer-10 drone can fly for 24 hours and 2,000 kilometers. According to rumors, it can carry 300 kilograms (661 pounds), twice as much as the Mohajer-6 drone.

TechTimes previously reported that Iran's Mohajer-10 drone was unveiled with other military hardware in a video that included the Persian and Hebrew phrase "prepare your shelters."

The United States claims Iran gave Russia the Mohajer-6 drone and others in exchange for its help in Ukraine. This week, the US raised Iran-related penalties, citing Iran's alleged use of UAVs to aid Russia and other Middle Eastern forces.

Iran has constantly denied giving Russia drones for the conflict in Ukraine, disputing the claims made by the US.

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi spoke during the parade and underlined the role of Iran's military in regional and Persian Gulf stability.

"We can teach the people of the region that resistance is today's way. What forces the enemy to retreat is not submission and wavering, but resistance," Raisi said, as quoted by Reuters.

Rising Tensions with Israel, US

The Times of Israel reported that during the military demonstration, large "Down with Israel" and "Down with the USA" signs were displayed. Posters telling Israelis to "prepare your shelters" raised concerns of regional violence. The posters were in Hebrew and English.

From September 22, 1980, when Saddam Hussein's forces invaded Iran, the Iran-Iraq war caused economic destruction and at least 500,000 deaths. The war stalled in August 1988.

Iran's latest drone display coincides with Syrian opposition media allegations of an Israeli drone purportedly assassinating two people west of Damascus. According to Haaretz, the two people, who were believed to be Islamic Jihad members, were named Okasha Abu Jarah and Zaher Assadi.