An Israeli air force commander involved in the June war with Iran said the country has no choice but to prepare for another round of fighting, in an interview with Israel Hayom.
Known only as T, the commander of the 9th UAV squadron for the past three years, told the Israeli daily: "There is no arena in which we can rest on our laurels, and there is no choice but to prepare for another arena against Iran."
Israel has fought Iranian-aligned groups on several fronts since October 2023 and, most recently, engaged in its first direct conflict with the Islamic Republic.
"I believe that regarding Iran, situation assessments are being made, and all preparations against Iran are subject to the political echelon - when it is clear that right now we need to be prepared for any scenario."
He said that the country’s UAV array was critical in the 12-day war in Iran, which began with surprise air attacks on June 13 and saw dozens of top commanders, including the chief of staff, and multiple nuclear scientists killed on the first night alone.
“The big change here was our ability to bring the array to ... Iran, because the distance is enormous, the topography is different, and there are many threats and challenges along the way."
Last month, Iran's president said that the country is ready for further conflict with Israel as tensions continue to simmer, saying that he does not believe that the fragile ceasefire is final.
Masoud Pezeshkian told Al Jazeera Arabic, “We are fully prepared for any Israeli military action, and our forces stand ready to strike deep into the occupied territories once again,” stressing however that the country does not want war.
