Over 2,000 Drones Launched by Iran — and Why Does FM Abbas Araghchi Araghchi Say Plan A Failed and Plan B Will Fail Too?

Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian briefs the press at his headquarters in Tehran on April 14, 2024. (Atta Kenare/AFP)

Dil Bar Irshad | March 6, 2026 | 06:03 AM IST | Breaking News, Politics, World |
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Over 2,000 Drones Launched by Iran — and Why Does FM Abbas Araghchi Araghchi Say Plan A Failed and Plan B Will Fail Too?

March 5, 2026 – Iran has reportedly launched more than 2,000 drones since the conflict with the United States and Israel began last Saturday, according to the Fars News Agency, which is closely linked to the Revolutionary Guard. If accurate, this averages more than 330 drones per day, or roughly one every four minutes, highlighting the intensity of Tehran’s response.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi addressed US President Donald Trump directly on social media platform X, stating, “Plan A for a clean rapid military victory failed, Mr. President. Your Plan B will be [an] even bigger failure.” He added that the chance for a “unique deal” had been “burned” and concluded with a pointed warning: “‘Israel First’ always means ‘America Last.’”

Saudi Arabia’s neutrality acknowledged: Despite the conflict, Iran has praised Saudi Arabia for refusing to allow its territory or airspace to be used against Tehran. Iranian ambassador Alireza Enayati told AFP, “We appreciate what we have repeatedly heard from Saudi Arabia – that it does not allow its airspace, waters, or territory to be used against the Islamic Republic of Iran.” Before the war, Riyadh had supported diplomatic efforts to ease tensions with Washington and pledged its airspace would remain closed to attacks on Iran.

Civilian damage mounts: The Iranian Red Crescent reported that 3,643 civilian sites have been damaged in the attacks, including 3,090 homes, 528 commercial centres, 13 medical facilities, and nine Red Crescent centres. Hospitals such as Khatam Hospital, Gandhi Hospital, and Valiasr Burn Hospital have been damaged, with some patients injured as structures collapsed. Reports detailing the damage have been submitted to the International Committee of the Red Cross and other international bodies for potential legal action.

Diplomatic efforts continue: Turkiye’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan told French President Emmanuel Macron that Ankara is pushing for a return to negotiations with Iran. Erdogan warned that prolonging the conflict could destabilize the region and the wider world and emphasized the need for closer NATO defence cooperation.

Regional tensions rise: Azerbaijan closed part of its southern airspace for 12 hours after Iranian drones reportedly crossed into its territory and struck areas in the Nakhchivan exclave, causing damage and civilian injuries. Iran denied responsibility for the incident, reiterating that it does not target neighbouring countries.

The conflict shows no sign of abating, with Iran employing relentless drone strikes while diplomatic channels remain strained. Civilian casualties and infrastructure damage are mounting, raising fears of further escalation across the region.

Dil Bar Irshad

Dil Bar Irshad is a seasoned journalist, hails from Jammu Kashmir's Doda, covers political, social, business stories, index stories.