Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces: Iran's response to any new aggression will be decisive, crushing, and unlike the past

Major General Seyyed Abdolrahim Mousavi, speaking at the commemoration ceremony for the Arbaeen (40th-day memorial) of the Martyrs of Iran’s Might, held on the morning of Thursday, August 7, 2025, at Tehran’s Mosalla, described the concurrence of this Arbaeen with that of Imam Hussein as a sign of the enduring legacy of the culture of Ashura in Iran’s history. He emphasized that the martyrdom of this nation's children—from infants and scientists to commanders and relief workers—though bitter, has, through the leadership's guidance and the people's resistance, opened a new chapter of power, scientific progress, and national unity. The world once again saw that a nation rooted in sacrifice and faith cannot be defeated.

General Mousavi, praising the resilience of the people and commanders, said that the combination of national zeal, knowledge, courage, and spirituality is not only a deterrent but also a driving force behind the progress and advancement of Islamic Iran. He stressed that the martyrs, in an era of threats, prioritized historical responsibility over personal gain and proved that this nation has the ability to create power even in the toughest of battlegrounds. Their message is the continuation of the path of dignity and independence.

He pointed out that the martyrdom of prominent individuals from various segments of society is evidence of the enemy’s fear of Iran’s foundational pillars—namely, the family and the country’s future-making generation.

He continued: These martyrdoms have strengthened Iran’s fist, solidified its unity, amplified the voice of resistance, and presented a renewed image of a great and resilient nation to the world.

Referring to the enemy’s hybrid warfare targeting national unity and morale, Mousavi emphasized the need for readiness across all domains—military, cognitive, media, cultural, and economic. He added: While officials bear a heavy responsibility for people’s livelihoods, vigilance against enemy conspiracies is essential.

General Mousavi warned the country’s enemies: Any aggressor who sets foot on Iranian soil will be met with the united front of the people.

He described the United States and some of its Western allies as accomplices of this child-killing regime with no future, and asked the American establishment: Are you really willing to sacrifice your country’s fate and future generations just to save Netanyahu?

He added: The Iranian people will not forget America’s betrayals, and future generations will avenge this nation’s oppression.

Referring to the crimes of the Zionist regime in Gaza, he asked: Do the supporters of this regime imagine that the blood of Gaza’s children will go unanswered? No oppressor in history has gone unpunished. The sea of children’s blood in Gaza will drown the enemies of humanity, and even those who remain silent will not escape the fire of retribution.

He reminded that Iran has full deterrent power, and warned: Iran's response to any new aggression will be decisive, crushing, and different from before.

Iran’s message to the region is peace and stability, he said, and we will not allow the Zionist regime to advance its expansionist goals.

General Mousavi concluded by affirming: We will not let the enemy achieve its goals of destabilization. The Iranian nation stands ready—both for negotiation and for war—and any aggressor will be met with a response more devastating than ever before.