WANA (Jul 02) – On Wednesday evening, July 2, a ceremony titled “Honoring Iran’s Martyrs of Strength” was held at the Grand Mosalla of Tehran, attended by high-ranking civilian and military officials, families of the deceased, and members of the public.

 

President Masoud Pezeshkian, Judiciary Chief Gholamhossein Mohseni-Ejei, Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, Major General Abdolrahim Mousavi (Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces), and other senior officials were present at the event.

 

In his address, Qalibaf referred to the fallen as “martyrs of defending the land of lions against Zionist aggression,” stating:

 

“These martyrs stood in defense of Iran against the Zionist regime’s aggression. They are the vanguard martyrs of our nation’s civilizational struggle.”

 

He continued: “This path has never ceased and will not be limited today. It is a path for the future — one for which we are all preparing.”

 

Judiciary Chief Mohseni-Ejei, speaking briefly on the sidelines, said: “The martyrdom of Iran’s defenders of power by the fake Zionist regime marks a turning point in the history of the Islamic Revolution.”

 

“Their pure blood has greatly elevated Iran’s standing and fostered remarkable national unity and cohesion.”

 

He added: “The blood of these beloved martyrs, spilled during the 12-day war by the fake Zionist regime, awakened all pure and free-spirited hearts across the globe to the depth of this regime’s cruelty — and to America’s bullying and arrogance.”

 

“We hope, by the grace of their sacrifice, that the Islamic Revolution will soon achieve final victory and the fake Zionist regime will collapse.”

Ali Larijani, senior advisor to the Supreme Leader and member of the Expediency Council, stated:

 

“Grossi (head of the IAEA) played a role in enabling the crime that occurred in our country.”

 

Former IRGC commander and current Expediency Council member Mohsen Rezaei also spoke at the ceremony:

 

“Rest assured, if Israel attacks Iran again, our response will be far more severe, powerful, and extensive.”

 

On Iran’s recent military operation, Rezaei explained: “We managed this stage completely, striking within a defined area and with purposeful targets — mainly military and command-control infrastructure. But if such action is repeated, we will certainly respond with even greater force.”

 

Regarding Iran’s suspension of cooperation with the IAEA, he said: “Suspending cooperation was the very least we could do. Iran took this step with political decency — though we had the capacity to go beyond mere suspension.”

 

Commenting on remarks by the U.S. president, Rezaei stated: “Trump came to a bitter realization after 70 years — that Israel is like a demon that emerges from its lair to strike a country and then retreats.”

 

“Today, Israel is wounded and defeated, clearly mired in deep crisis.”

 

“The key point is that in this war, for the first time, Israel drew the United States directly into the conflict — unlike in the past, when it acted alone.”

 

“Despite U.S. backing, Israel faced a crushing defeat against the Iranian people and armed forces.”

 

On Iran’s diplomatic approach, he remarked: “Our diplomacy is meaningful, courageous, and rational. We blend bravery with national interest, prudence, and wisdom.”.

 

“Iran’s military operation in response to the crimes of the Zionist regime and the U.S. was directly guided by the Supreme Leader.”

 

Pirhossein Kolivand, head of the Iranian Red Crescent Society, also addressed the ceremony: “Targeting a medical ambulance is a blatant and undeniable war crime.”

 

“Eighty countries individually sent messages condemning the Zionist regime’s brutal attack.”

 

He added: “One of our key roles during the 12-day imposed war was emergency relief and search-and-rescue operations — carried out effectively despite the intense warfare, thanks to the broad and voluntary participation of relief workers.”

 

According to reports, Israel launched a series of attacks in the early hours of Friday, June 14, targeting Tehran and several other cities in Iran. A number of military commanders, scientists, and civilians were killed, including senior IRGC officers and key nuclear and military figures.

 

In addition, on Sunday morning, June 22, the United States launched airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities in Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. After 12 days of hostilities and retaliatory strikes, a ceasefire was declared on Tuesday, June 24, bringing the conflict to a halt.