Why it matters:
Major General Hatami’s remarks reflect Iran’s evolving military doctrine in response to modern warfare. The emphasis on hybrid threats and deterrence strategies signals Tehran’s intent to remain vigilant and adaptive amid regional instability and escalating geopolitical tensions.
What he’s saying:
Speaking during a meeting with members of Iran’s parliamentary National Security and Foreign Policy Commission, Hatami said: “The 12-day war taught us lessons equivalent to 12 years. Based on those insights, we’ve developed new approaches that will enable more effective responses and harsher punishment for any aggressor.”
He warned that global power dynamics are increasingly shaped by military force rather than diplomacy. “The phrase ‘peace through strength’ is essentially a justification for global domination through military might,” he said, citing recent attacks on Gaza, Iran, Syria, Lebanon, and Qatar as examples of this logic in action.
The context:
Hatami credited Iran’s military and public resilience, along with the guidance of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, for thwarting Israel’s attempt to damage Iran’s sovereignty and independence.
He emphasized that Iran’s historical vulnerabilities have often coincided with weak governance, but the strength of the Islamic Republic has preserved its territorial integrity.
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