Why it matters:
The statement from Iran's top military commander confirms that Tehran's response to the U.S.-Israeli strikes that martyred the Leader and senior commanders is not a one-off action but an ongoing campaign—signaling that the region should prepare for sustained military operations rather than a single retaliation.
The big picture:
As Iran mourns the loss of its highest political and military leadership, its armed forces are executing pre-planned, multi-phased operations against enemy positions across West Asia. Hatami's remarks indicate that the Islamic Republic's military machine remains fully operational and coordinated, with the Army and IRGC fighting "shoulder to shoulder" in both offensive and defensive missions.
What he's saying:
"Today, all Army forces are participating fully alongside our dear brothers in the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps in both offensive and defensive operations. As mentioned, our brave and zealous Army pilots have struck the bases of the criminal regime in the region, and the Army's combat drones are continuously and intensely targeting occupied territories and all regional targets."
What he's saying:
Hatami emphasized that the Air Defense Headquarters is "defending the nation's skies with honor and authority" and has achieved "good successes" in downing enemy aircraft, while the Navy is "operating with strength" to protect the country's maritime borders. He stressed that all operations are "based on plans previously prepared and rehearsed, designed for various stages, and will be executed continuously until a decisive response and complete punishment of the enemy."
Key points:
- The general extended condolences for the "historic and great martyrdom" of the Leader, noting he had witnessed Ayatollah Khamenei's "eagerness for martyrdom" in private meetings—comparing his death to that of Imam Hussein (AS) at the hands of "the most wretched people on earth."
- He also mourned "the martyrdom of Iran's dear children across the country," including innocent girls in Minab, alongside fallen Army and IRGC comrades.
- Hatami warned that the enemy's primary goal is to "create division" among Iranians, urging the nation to "preserve and even increase vigilance, unity, cohesion, and solidarity to blind the enemy's eye."
- He described current events as "bitter and heavy" but expressed confidence that "with national cohesion, the enemy will surely bury its dream of enslaving the Iranian nation in its grave."
Go deeper:
President Pezeshkian Vows Iran Will Avenge Leader's Martyrdom
ahmad shirzadian - ahmad shirzadian
