Major General Abdolrahim Mousavi, chief of staff of Iran’s armed forces, said on Wednesday that Tehran’s defensive preparations had deterred enemies from launching a fresh assault, after visiting a tactical headquarters of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ ground force.
“Our defensive and combat readiness has reached a level that deters enemies from committing miscalculations, including thoughts of renewed invasion of the country,” Mousavi said.
“We thank God that, thanks to the vigilance and wisdom of the armed forces and the use of historical experience, our defensive and combat preparedness has reached a stage that prevents enemies from making calculation errors.”
He described boosting defensive and offensive capabilities across the military as an “undismissable strategic priority” and called for greater use of the IRGC’s paramilitary Basij volunteer force to expand Iran’s deterrent power and operational reach.
“These strategies will guarantee lasting security and Iran’s deterrent defensive power against any aggression,” he added.
Israel launched a 12-day campaign that killed Iranian nuclear scientists and hundreds of military personnel and civilians and was followed by US bombings of key nuclear sites, while Iranian counterattacks killed 31 Israeli civilians and an off-duty soldier.
US and Israeli officials said the strikes were intended to block Iran from developing nuclear weapons. European powers have pressed for renewed diplomacy and the restoration of UN sanctions, while Tehran denies pursuing a bomb and describes the measures as diplomatic coercion.
