Iran vows response to any aggression, hails self-reliant defense as legacy of martyred Leader

Iran’s Defense Ministry spokesman has vowed that the country will respond to any act of aggression by enemies, hailing Iran's self-sufficient defense capability as the strategic legacy of the martyred Leader of the Islamic Revolution.

"The Islamic Republic of Iran pursues the path of diplomacy with authority, but in the face of any aggression or crossing of red lines, it will give a decisive, effective and proportionate response. Past experiences have proven this reality to the enemies," Brigadier General Reza Talaei-Nik told reporters on Tuesday.

The spokesman said Iran will continue to strengthen its national power, develop deterrence and maintain sustainable security with the support of its people, domestic capabilities, valuable defense experiences and the guidance of the new Leader.

He added that the “extraordinary, unprecedented” turnout at the funeral ceremonies of the Leader marks a renewal of the nation’s allegiance to the path of the Revolution.

He said the deep bond between the people and their leadership is “profound, ideological, and indissoluble.”

The spokesman said Martyr Khamenei's school of thought will serve as an inspiration for future generations, similar to the enduring message of Ashura, which continues to guide the fight against oppression and global arrogance.

General Talaei-Nik said the comprehensive sanctions and hostile policies of the US and the West have failed to hinder Iran’s progress. Instead, they have pushed the country toward self-sufficiency and the development of an indigenous defense industry.

Today, he said, Iran relies on domestic knowledge and technology to design and produce a wide range of defense equipment and systems.

“The strategic vision of the martyred Leader for scientific and defense development has endowed the Islamic Republic with effective deterrence and indigenous defense capabilities,” the spokesman said, adding that the experience of the recent war will further enhance these capacities.

Enemy miscalculations

Referring to the objectives of the enemies in the 40-day war of aggression on Iran, General Talaei-Nik said the adversary had assumed the assassination of the Leader, military commanders, and scientists, alongside attacks on residential areas, would lead to the collapse of the Islamic Republic.

However, the result was exactly the opposite, with national cohesion and military power becoming stronger than ever, he said.

The vast popular presence on the scene, heightened morale, and the failure of the enemy to achieve its goals demonstrate that the calculations of the US and the Zionist regime have been flawed, and the Islamic Republic has emerged with authority from this historic test, he said.

"Today, the Islamic Republic of Iran, relying on its people, internal capabilities, valuable defense experiences and the guidance of the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei, will continue the path of strengthening national power, developing deterrence and maintaining sustainable security with full force."

The United States and Israel assassinated Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, Iran’s Leader since 1989, on the first day of the illegal war on February 28.

The attack, which targeted his residential and official compound in central Tehran, also killed several members of his family, including his daughter, son-in-law, and 14-month-old granddaughter.

The funeral ceremonies, which began on July 4, have drawn millions of mourners and delegations from scores of countries.

The main procession in Tehran on July 6 saw the coffins of the martyred Leader and his family members carried on a lorry along central streets.

The ceremonies will continue in Qom, Najaf, and Karbala before culminating in the burial at the Imam Reza shrine in Mashhad on July 9.

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