Why it matters:
Hatami’s remarks signal a renewed assertive defensive posture from Iran at a time of renewed Israeli aggression, voicing Iran's readiness to continue its retaliatory strikes against Israeli targets.
The big picture:
The appointment of General Hatami comes amid the ongoing Iranian self-defense operation against the Israeli regime. Hatami's commitment reflects Iran's strategy to reinforce its military doctrine of “forward defense” through deterrence and defensive operations.
What he’s saying:
In a letter to Iran’s Leader, Seyyed Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, General Hatami wrote:
“This soldier of the revolution and son of the great Iranian nation pledges to defend the independence, territorial integrity, and sacred system of the Islamic Republic to the last breath.”
He added that Iranian troops “have already responded from the first moments of the Zionist regime’s aggression”.
He vowed that the army would “continue to deliver decisive and effective blows to the body of the fake, child-killing Zionist regime.”
Key points:
- Hatami was named Commander-in-Chief of the Iranian Army.
- He reaffirmed his loyalty to the Islamic Revolution and vowed to maintain continued military strength.
- Referred to Israel as a “fake and criminal regime” and promised further self-defense military retaliation.
- Cited full operational readiness of Iran’s ground forces, air defense, air force, and navy.
Go deeper:
Iran’s “True Promise III” Strikes Kill 9 in Occupied Territories
Hossein Vaez
