WANA (Jul 26) – The fourth edition of the International Military Mountaineering Event (CISM 2025) is being hosted by the Iranian Army’s Navy for five days, under the slogan “Climb for Peace”, with the goal of ascending Iran’s highest peak, Mount Damavand.

 

At the opening ceremony held at Ferdowsi Hotel in Tehran, Brigadier General Jamshid Fouladi, Head of the Sports Department at Iran’s Armed Forces General Staff, stated:

 

“This marks the third time that the Islamic Republic of Iran has hosted the ‘Climb for Peace’ event — a program that demonstrates how the bonds of camaraderie between military forces can be strengthened even in the high mountains.”

 

He continued: “This year, Mount Damavand — the highest point of the Iranian plateau and a symbol of resilience in ancient Persian literature — once again welcomes military personnel from around the world to collectively showcase the spirit of synergy through sport.”

 

Brigadier General Fouladi emphasized that the climb is not merely a military endurance exercise:

 

“The ascent to Mount Damavand carries a message of peace and friendship among participating nations. The variety of national flags along the path to the summit reflects the idea that, alongside military readiness, values such as chivalry and peace-seeking can be promoted within the armed forces.”

 

Brigadier General Hossein Omidi, Head of the Physical Training Organization of the Iranian Army, also addressed the gathering:

 

“From the majestic heights of Damavand, the echo of peace and friendship resonates across the world. This climb reflects the shared voice of nations that yearn for a world free from conflict.”

 

He added: “On the slopes of Damavand, along the trail, in the Simorgh shelter and the legendary Takht-e Fereydoun, and finally atop the summit itself, no mention is made of ethnicity, language, religion, or race — we all speak one common language: the enduring language of friendship, as eloquent as the thousand-year-old tales of Damavand.”

 

He stressed: “Indeed, few experiences are as unifying as mountaineering, which brings nations together in a spirit of shared values, mutual respect, and a commitment to peace.”

 

The ceremony was attended by General Sheikh Hassani, Deputy for Training and Education at the Armed Forces General Staff; General Fouladi, Head of the Sports Department; General Omidi, Head of Army Physical Training; and military representatives from Armenia, Bangladesh, Iran, Iraq, and Russia.