Iran says new fighter jet enhances deterrence against US

TEHRAN, Iran — Iran displayed a new twin-seat fighter jet Tuesday, saying it’s all Iranian-made and with advanced avionics and fire control systems. The country’s president said it would enhance Tehran’s deterrence capabilities in confronting Washington.

State television showed President Hassan Rouhani briefly sitting in the plane's cockpit inside a hangar just before the inauguration ceremony.

Top Iranian general says his troops ‘ready to confront’ US

He responded to President Trump's warning that Iran will “suffer consequences” for threats.

The aircraft is dubbed Kowsar, which refers to a river in paradise and is also the title of a chapter in the Muslim holy book, the Quran.

At the ceremony, Rouhani said Iran's defense program is aimed at deterrence vis-a-vis the United States.

"The enemy should see how expensive an invasion of Iran would be," he said. "Why does not the U.S wage a military attack on us? Because of our power."

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, left, waves to Kowsar pilots before an inauguration ceremony of the aircraft on Aug. 21, 2018. (Iranian Presidency Office via AP)

The U.S. renewed its sanctions on Iran earlier this month after President Donald Trump in May pulled America out of the nuclear deal between Iran and world powers.

The report said Iran will also manufacture a single-seat version of the fighter jet. It said the aircraft is capable of flying at an altitude of 45,000 feet and with the speed of Mach 1.2. Mach 1 would be equal to the speed of sound

Iran navy exercise was a message to US on sanctions, says top US commander in Mideast

An Iranian naval exercise involving at least 100 small boats in and around the Strait of Hormuz last week was meant as a message to the U.S. for re-imposing economic sanctions on Tehran, the top U.S. commander in the Middle East said Wednesday.

By Lolita C. Baldor, The Associated Press

The TV also broadcast footage it said showed the jet in flight.

Iran already has U.S.-made F-4, F-5 as well as F-14 fighter jets and also Russian-made Sukhoi aircraft in service.

The Islamic Republic often announces military achievements that cannot be independently verified.

More In Flashpoints

Okinawa wants US base reduced 77 years after battle’s end

The governor of Okinawa is calling for further reduction of the U.S. military presence there amid growing fear of regional military tension.

US to send Ukraine rocket systems, other aid in new package

The aid is part of the $40 billion in security and economic assistance passed last month by Congress.

Ukraine

How the cloud saved Ukraine’s data from Russian attacks

Russian operatives conducted physical and virtual “wiper attacks” on computer networks in Ukraine - attempting to delete all stored government information. Yet the data survived.

North Korean leader convenes military meeting amid tensions

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is meeting with his senior military officials to discuss national defense policies.

Why is Lithuania risking Russia’s wrath over Kaliningrad?

Lithuania imposed a ground transit ban of EU sanctioned Russian goods through its territory that will block half of all goods coming into the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad Oblast.

In Other News

Army Guard troops risk dismissal as vaccine deadline looms

Up to 40,000 Army National Guard soldiers haven't yet gotten the mandated COVID-19 vaccine.

Explorers find USS Samuel B. Roberts shipwreck

The World War II Navy destroyer has become the deepest wreck to be discovered, according to explorers.

Army private admits bizarre plot to attack his unit on deployment

After learning of an upcoming deployment, the soldier began passing information he learned to members of 09A as he proposed and planned a deadly attack on his fellow troops, authorities said.

New York air guardsmen awarded for valor in Afghanistan evacuation

The C-17 crew brought in special ops to rescue Americans on the ground, evacuated Afghans in danger and transported the remains of U.S. troops.

Air Force’s first female special tactics officer earns coveted scarlet beret

The female airman faces about another year of advanced skills training before she is assigned to an operational unit.