The aircraft carrier Shandong of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy launched fighter jets and drove away foreign aircraft attempting close-in reconnaissance during a recent far seas training operation.
Amid heightened tensions, the carrier's flight support unit acted with precision and speed, enabling fighter jets to take off at short notice and successfully repel the target.
Ren Chi, a crew member from the Shandong, emphasized the importance of coordination and accuracy during high-stakes missions.
"Every step of our support operation must be executed with split-second precision and zero error. Only then can our fighter jets take off with full load of ammunition in the shortest possible time to safeguard national sovereignty and security, and maritime rights and interests," said Ren.
PLA aircraft carrier repels foreign aircraft during drill
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned on Sunday that Tehran would view the United States and Israel's military bases and facilities in the Middle East as "legitimate targets" should Washington take military action against Iran.
At a parliamentary session convened to review an emergency proposal on assembly regulations, Qalibaf emphasized that, at this highly sensitive juncture, Iran must accurately and thoroughly identify the schemes of its adversaries.
Qalibaf said that Iran is currently confronting Israel and the United States simultaneously on four fronts: economic, cognitive, military, and counterterrorism. Of them, the economic warfare and the cognitive and psychological warfare began many years ago and have persisted to this day, growing increasingly complex and intense in recent years.
The remarks came as U.S. President Donald Trump is reportedly "seriously considering authorizing a strike" against Iran, taking advantage of its nationwide unrest.
Protests have erupted in several Iranian cities since late December over the sharp fall of the rial and long-standing economic hardship. Iranian authorities have acknowledged the demonstrations and voiced willingness to address economic grievances, while warning against violence and vandalism.
Amid the ongoing protests, deadly clashes have been reported lately between police and what the government described as "rioters." However, no official death toll has been released.
Also on Sunday, Iran's semi-official Tasnim news agency reported that Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian will address the country's economic situation and political environment in a televised interview later that day.
Iran swears to counterattack if attacked
