WANA (Feb 20) – Major General Hossein Salami, Commander-in-Chief of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), stated that Israel cannot exist without U.S. support and emphasized that America itself is on a path of decline. “These are unfolding realities and part of our future. We must trust in God and act as much as we can,” he said.

 

Salami made these remarks during a meeting with Ziyad al-Nakhalah, Secretary-General of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad Movement, where he praised the resilience of the Palestinian resistance and the people of Gaza. “Their victory was a divine triumph, bringing honor to the Islamic world. God granted victory to the oppressed people of Palestine despite their long siege,” he said.

 

The Al-Aqsa Storm Operation Exposed Israel’s Fragility

Salami reflected on past meetings, calling them “heartbreaking” due to the suffering of the Palestinian people. “The pain they endured weighed heavily on our hearts. We are grateful that this chapter ended in a victory for our brothers in Gaza,” he added.

 

Discussing the Al-Aqsa Storm operation, Salami highlighted two key phases: “The first phase, on October 7, shattered the illusion of Zionist power, revealing its fragility. These seemingly formidable forces were, in reality, weak and vulnerable.”

 

He further elaborated that so-called “great powers” often rely on perception rather than real strength. “The first step to their downfall is for people to recognize their weaknesses. Once minds are awakened, their vulnerability becomes an undeniable reality,” he said.

 

Israel and the U.S. Are Trapped in a Cycle of Failure

Salami argued that shifting perceptions redefine power, and the Al-Aqsa Storm operation altered global views on Israel. “Despite all efforts, the Zionist regime and the U.S. are stuck in a vicious cycle—every attempt to recover their image only brings them closer to failure. They cannot erase the reality of their vulnerability because they belong to the camp of falsehood, which lacks the elements of true victory.”

 

He emphasized that Israel and the U.S. may achieve short-term tactical gains, but their strategic defeat is inevitable. “There may be fluctuations, but their trajectory is one of decline. Gaza, Yemen, and Lebanon have all demonstrated this truth. These are living realities before us, giving us confidence that God stands with those who have unwavering hearts,” he said.

 

Resistance Leaders Are Symbols of Eternal Victory

The IRGC chief pointed out that true honor belongs to those who feel victorious. “When we look at both sides, it is clear that Israelis feel defeated. Their officials and people show no signs of victory. Even the assassination of resistance leaders does not count as a triumph for them—it only strengthens the cause. These leaders have achieved eternal victory through martyrdom,” he asserted.

 

Salami concluded by emphasizing the role of martyrs in shaping history. “No nation can remain great without heroes. Just as General Soleimani brought eternal glory to Iran, these martyrs will forever be remembered in the history of Palestine and Lebanon,” he stated.

 

Operation True Promise 1 & 2 Boosted Resistance Morale

Ziyad al-Nakhalah, Secretary-General of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, congratulated Iran on the anniversary of the Islamic Revolution and expressed gratitude for Iran’s military and political support in the region. He credited Iran’s efforts with thwarting U.S. and Israeli conspiracies and strengthening Palestinian morale.

 

Al-Nakhalah emphasized that the resistance draws inspiration from early Islamic martyrs, comparing their struggle to the historic battle of Uhud. “The loss of great figures like Hamza, the leader of the martyrs, was a heavy blow for Muslims and the Prophet, but it led to the conquest of Mecca. Similarly, the martyrdom of our resistance leaders paves the way for greater victories,” he said.

 

He also highlighted the impact of Operations True Promise 1 and 2, which significantly boosted the morale of the Palestinian people and the resistance. “These operations proved our resilience and determination in the face of the enemy,” he concluded.