WANA (Jan 20) – Major General Mohammad Bagheri, Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces, described the past 15 months as a pivotal period for the region, the Islamic world, and the broader resistance front. Speaking at a gathering of Iranian officials and representatives at the country’s embassy in Islamabad, he emphasized that the ceasefire was imposed on Israel by the resistance axis.

 

Ceasefire: A Major Blow to Israel

Major General Mohammad Bagheri, Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces, stated that despite the painful human and material losses, recent developments have pushed the “Zionist regime” to the brink of collapse. He emphasized that the entire imperialist world mobilized to support Israel against the resistance axis and Palestinian fighters.

 

However, he described the events, which began with the “Storm of Al-Aqsa” operation and were coordinated by Palestinian resistance forces, as miraculous events. “Today, after more than a year, we are witnessing the triumph of the resistance and the surrender of the Zionists before the iron will of the Islamic fighters,” Bagheri declared.

 

He highlighted the resilience of Palestinian resistance forces, who, despite severe blockades, managed to develop underground defensive capabilities and launch attacks against Israel. In contrast, he condemned Israel and its allies for their “brutal massacres of defenseless civilians in Gaza, including women and children and aged people.”

 

Bagheri remarked, “Today is a historic moment when the resistance has successfully imposed a ceasefire on the Zionist regime. American and European officials have privately admitted to some regional leaders that, without their assistance, the fall of the Zionist regime would have been inevitable.”

 

General Bagheri noted that today, young Lebanese and Palestinian individuals aspire to follow in the footsteps of martyrs such as Ismail Haniyeh, Yahya Sinwar, and Hassan Nasrallah. “The Zionists have admitted that they had no option but to surrender to the ceasefire,” he added.

 

He emphasized the necessity of enduring hardships, martyrdom, captivity, and displacement for the victory of the truth front. “Islam’s growth and survival have always depended on such steadfastness,” Bagheri stated. “Our duty in the Islamic world is to stand firm, and in doing so, we will receive divine support as promised.”

 

The Iranian military leader concluded by stressing that while the resistance axis emerged victorious in this battle, the Islamic world’s fundamental goals, strategies, and roadmap will remain unchanged. “We will continue to strive toward our ultimate goals with determination,” Bagheri affirmed.

 

Strengthening Iran-Pakistan Border Security

Addressing the objectives of his official visit to Pakistan, General Bagheri underlined the importance of enhancing border security between the two neighboring countries. “Protecting our shared borders requires stronger forces and greater capabilities, as enemies are constantly seeking to exploit vulnerabilities,” he stated.

 

He revealed that steps have already been taken to secure the borders, including activating several border markets and plans to open more. “Developing trade and economic exchanges between Iran and Pakistan is crucial,” he added.

 

Joint Efforts Against Terrorism

The Iranian general stressed the need for closer cooperation between the two nations’ armed forces in combating terrorism and separatist groups. “Only through joint efforts can we achieve greater security along our borders,” he said.

 

General Bagheri also announced plans to discuss various topics with his Pakistani counterparts, including military training, intelligence sharing, joint exercises, and defense industry collaboration. “We are committed to pursuing these partnerships with seriousness and determination,” he concluded.