General Abdolrahim Mousavi, chairman of Iran’s Armed Forces Joint Chiefs of Staff, stated on Thursday during a ceremony held in Tehran that Iran’s military has attained “excellent” levels of readiness and capability. These remarks demonstrate Tehran’s unwavering dedication to national defense amid rising tensions with Israel and the US.
At the ceremony, General Mousavi paid his respects to Brigadier General Mohammad-Saeed Izadi of Quds Force’s Palestine Department who was recently killed – suspected to be by Israeli agents – following an apparent Israeli operation. General Izadi had championed Palestinian rights throughout his career; General Mousavi noted his dedication in supporting Palestine against Israeli repression citing “He had always stood up for Palestine against this regime.” (IRNA English/Anadolu Ajansi). (IRNA English/Anadolu Ajansi)
His remarks were attended by top commanders such as Quds Force leader Esmail Qa’ani and Minister of Intelligence Esmail Khatib.
Mousavi’s assertion of Iran’s military strength highlights decades of strategic investments made to its defense independence since the Iran-Iraq War (1980-1988). Tehran has prioritized developing an indigenous defense industry since then; strengthening missile, drone, cyber and naval forces. (Sources: American Enterprise Institute + IRNA English + The Wall Street Journal.
Today’s Iranian military is a complex entity comprised of both traditional Artesh branches–army, air force, navy and air defense–and its paramilitary IRGC forces made up of land, aerospace naval Quds Basij units (Wikipedia: 1 + 1)
Recent high-profile strikes by U.S. and Israeli forces against Iranian military leaders and nuclear-related sites have put Tehran’s defenses through severe strain, suffering losses such as Hossein Salami’s assassination in early June along with Ali Shadmani of IRGC; nonetheless, President Mousavi remains confident in their armed forces as they remain strong and capable.
“Our 12-day offensive proved our strength: We endured, adapted and emerged more capable,” Mousavi reportedly declared after confronting and assassinating senior officers.
Analysts laud Iran’s expanded deterrence architecture, noting the IRGC Aerospace Force maintains an effective ballistic missile arsenal–including Shahab-3 and other hypersonic systems–while its naval fleets have expanded stealthily beyond the Persian Gulf region. Furthermore, drone and cyber operations have emerged as modern strategic assets.
Iran’s resilience against foreign strikes echoes its history. Analysts point out that lessons from the Iran-Iraq War helped forge an anti-American doctrine focused on self-reliance, decentralized command and adaptability–traits which now manifest themselves in missile, UAV and proxy warfare tactics.
Iran asserts in international affairs that it does not seek large-scale aggression but seeks only to defend its sovereignty and regional interests. If threatened, “our defense will be effective and aggressive”, according to Mousavi.
Iran’s military confidence comes despite increasing international pressure, particularly from the U.S.’s conduct of airstrikes against Iranian nuclear infrastructure and deployment of missile defense systems in its region. Tehran has condemned these actions and promised countermeasures while continuing to strengthen its defenses through domestic production and deeper alliances with China and Russia.
Mousavi’s declaration of Iran’s excellent military capabilities serves two functions. First, it assuages domestic audiences while sending a signal to international adversaries that Iran remains an intimidating presence. As tensions escalate across the Middle East – with fragmented ceasefires and proxy confrontations–Tehran continues preparing for future contingencies while projecting an image of unyielding strength.