01.03.2026 18:13
Retired Brigadier General Prof. Dr. Esat Arslan stated that the attacks by the USA and Israel on Iran have created a new breaking point in the region from a military and geopolitical perspective. Predicting that the conflicts will not be long-lasting, Arslan remarked, "The USA and Israel have hit a hard wall this time." While making this assessment, Arslan emphasized Iran's extensive ballistic missile arsenal and the technological support provided by China.
Retired Brigadier General Prof. Dr. Esat Arslan stated that a new phase of war has begun in the Middle East following the attacks by the USA and Israel on Iran, noting that the conflicts may not be long-lasting but will deeply affect regional balances. Arslan said, "I believe this situation will evolve into a different phase within 3-4 months. Our greatest wish is that it will not be a long-lasting war. But the USA and Israel have hit a hard rock this time."
Arslan recalled Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's statements in recent years regarding the increase in Iran's nuclear capacity and its ability to reach the stage of developing nuclear weapons, saying, "Netanyahu has been emphasizing at regular intervals for about five years that Iran has reached the nuclear threshold. This rhetoric has been used as an argument that lays the groundwork for a military option."
MILITARY ACTIVITY IN TEHRAN
Pointing out that after the attacks in Iran's capital Tehran, the Basij forces have started patrolling between neighborhoods, Arslan stated that this signifies a partial mobilization. Noting that high-altitude air defense systems have been activated, Arslan assessed, "We see that the defense reflex on the ground is being organized rapidly."
"IRAN HAS THE LARGEST BALLISTIC MISSILE ARSENAL IN THE MIDDLE EAST"
Highlighting Iran's military capacity, Arslan expressed that the Tehran administration possesses the largest ballistic missile inventory in the Middle East. He particularly noted that long-range missiles of the Khaybar and Fattah types can target Israel with ranges of up to 2,000 kilometers, and stated that the Siccil medium-range missile systems are also a deterrent factor.
Arslan, who said, "In modern warfare, the first strike is important; however, the real decisive factor is the second strike capacity," noted that Iran has significantly developed its military capacity in the last 20 years, especially with the technological support from China.
ATTACK IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NEGOTIATION PROCESS
Arslan drew attention to the fact that the attacks occurred before the negotiations planned to be held in Vienna, arguing that this disrupted the diplomatic process. "This means the negotiation table has been dismantled for the second time," he said.
THE CHINA FACTOR AND NEW SECURITY ARCHITECTURE
Emphasizing the importance of China's presence in the region, Arslan stated that Iran has nearly 3,000 missiles at its disposal and that the newly established security architecture could take the conflict to a new phase.
Arslan expressed that the USA and Israel could face strong resistance, stating, "This time they may hit a hard rock."