Interview of Muhammad Hussain Baqeri, Head of the Iqbal Forum and international affairs expert, with Hum News Pakistan

Revealing Iran’s missile power and strikes on Israel

Casualties and damage in Iran:
Baqeri stated that the death toll in Iran has reached around 1,350, with 35% being civilians. He claimed that Israel has targeted schools, hospitals, and shops, and that Tehran is being bombed 40–50 times daily.

Iran’s powerful response:

He confirmed that Iran has so far used 3,500 missiles and 4,000 drones against Israel and its allies.

He also said that for the first time Iran has deployed the new “Hadid” drone (an upgraded version of Shahed-131), as well as hypersonic and cluster “Khoramshahr-4” missiles with a 1,500 kg warhead.

The “Dena” ship incident and alleged Indian involvement:

Baqeri gave details about the alleged targeting of the Iranian ship Dena by the United States in the Indian Ocean:

• The attack reportedly took place at extremely close range (one mile) using a torpedo, suggesting precise intelligence about the ship’s location.
• He claimed that Indian companies operate in the Chabahar port and that spies were recently arrested there, possibly passing information to the U.S. and Israel.
• He stated that after the U.S. submarine strike, 80 Iranian sailors were left drowning, and in violation of the Geneva Conventions, they were not rescued.

Direct message to India and Israel’s supporters:

Baqeri warned that if India’s involvement is confirmed, it could become Iran’s next target. He said:
“Iran does not negotiate when it comes to its enemies. If it strikes the United States and Israel, India will also be targeted if it is proven to have cooperated with the enemy.”

Strategic guidance from Iran’s late leader regarding Pakistan:

Baqeri recalled a statement attributed to Ayatollah Khamenei, emphasizing that Iran has always valued relations with Pakistan, calling it Iran’s “strategic depth,” and consistently stressing brotherhood and cooperation in financial and border issues to protect bilateral relations.

Conclusion:

Baqeri argued that Iran is currently winning a “full-scale war” and has shifted the balance of power in its favor through geography and missile capability.