Iran Escalates Military Campaign with 46th Wave of 'Operation True Promise 4'
In a dramatic escalation of regional hostilities, Iran has launched the 46th wave of its military campaign, 'Operation True Promise 4', targeting both United States and Israeli assets. The announcement came during a televised address by Ebrahim Zolfaghari, Spokesperson of Iran's Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, on Saturday, March 14, 2026.
Warning of Retaliation and Defensive Actions
Zolfaghari issued a stern warning, stating that 'America and the Zionists will pay the price for every single drop of unjustly shed blood and the compensation for the damages inflicted.' He detailed recent defensive measures, noting that Iranian air defense systems intercepted and destroyed two MQ-9 drones in Firuzabad and Bandar Abbas, along with another aircraft in the sky of Tabriz. According to the spokesperson, the total number of drones destroyed has now reached 112 aircraft, encompassing various types of combat, reconnaissance, and suicide drones.
Offensive Strikes and Strategic Targets
The military official linked these defensive successes to broader offensive operations. He confirmed that the 45th wave of Operation True Promise 4 was carried out by the Army of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Aerospace and Naval Forces of Sepah, and Hezbollah. This phase utilized 'Kheibar-Shekan' solid-fuel precision missiles and offensive drones in large numbers, targeting enemy positions with strategic precision.
Primary objectives included the destruction of northern command infrastructures of Israeli forces and gathering places of American troops. Specific targets named were:
- Haifa and Caesarea in Israel
- Settlements of Zariit and Shlomi
- The 'Holon' military-industrial complex
Additionally, US bases in the region, such as 'Al Dhafra' and 'Erbil', were identified and hit following prior warnings for personnel to evacuate.
Expansion to 46th Wave and Commander Hunts
Shortly after the 45th wave, Iran initiated the 46th wave of Operation True Promise 4, focusing on hunting down 'Zionist and American criminal commanders.' Zolfaghari claimed that this phase precisely targeted:
- 10 hiding and residence points in occupied territories, including seven in Tel Aviv, two in Rishon LeZion, and one in Shoham.
- 3 gathering and hiding places of Americans in the region, specifically at 'King Sultan', 'Victoria', and 'Erbil' bases.
Display of Military Power and Vows of Continuation
Reinforcing its military defiance, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) showcased its aerial capabilities in a vast subterranean arsenal. A report by the Mehr News Agency highlighted the display of a collection of drones in a large tunnel, titled 'Display of a Portion of the IRGC Drone Power Under an Image of Ayatollah Sayyid Mojtaba Khamenei.' This demonstration featured rows of advanced unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) staged within an extensive underground facility.
Zolfaghari vowed that the campaign would persist, declaring that 'the doors of hell will not be closed until the destruction of the last child-killing criminal.' He swore by the oppression of martyrs to recover blood money for unjustly shed blood, asserting that victory comes only from God.
This development marks a significant intensification in the ongoing conflict, with Iran demonstrating both defensive prowess and offensive reach through coordinated military operations.
