WANA (Jul 04) – The Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces stated: “According to the Supreme Leader’s initial directive, we had designed a crippling plan, but we didn’t get the chance to execute it. If they attack Iran again, they will see what we are capable of. And at that point, even the United States may not be able to save Netanyahu.”

 

Major General Seyyed Abdolrahim Mousavi made these remarks on Friday evening, July 4, during a ceremony honoring the late Lieutenant General Hossein Salami. He emphasized that both the armed forces and the people are alert and prepared.

 

He noted that “the Iranian people, with unity and cohesion, stood firm against the enemy until the enemy was forced to kneel before them. You, the people, showed unparalleled support during the funerals and tributes to the fallen commanders of power, and created a new epic. Words cannot express my gratitude. Rest assured that we will hold high the banner of our martyrs’ dignity and pride until the last drop of our blood.”

Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces, Abdolrahim Mousavi, speaks during a mourning ceremony for late Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Commander-in-Chief Major General Hossein Salami, who was killed in Israeli strikes, in Tehran, Iran, July 4, 2025. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency)

The people will not rest until they bring the child-killing terrorists to justice

Major General Mousavi stressed that the resistance front has grown stronger through the blood of its martyrs. Addressing Iran’s enemies, he warned: “Do not rejoice over taking the lives of these noble individuals. According to the Holy Quran, martyrs are alive. Know this: the Iranian people have not achieved their dignity and independence easily—and they will not rest until the child-killing terrorists are put in their place.”

 

The top military commander added that Iran’s enemies had planned for this imposed war for 15 years. “They had organized and trained infiltrators inside the country, and had prepared a detailed scheme. But they miscalculated the Supreme Leader, the people, and the armed forces’ power of response.”

 

He explained that the nuclear issue was merely a pretext for launching an invasion, with the goal of toppling the Islamic system within 48 hours to a week and dismantling the country. “But the Iranian nation prevailed. In the first stage, we responded with deterrent power, and in the second, we carried out punitive operations. Contrary to enemy expectations, the people set aside their hardships, came to the field united, and stood strong.”

 

Major General Mousavi pointed out that “this national cohesion forced the U.S. to step in to help Netanyahu. Eventually, they were the ones who requested a ceasefire in hopes of rescuing him.”

Mourners attend a mourning ceremony for late Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Commander-in-Chief Major General Hossein Salami, who was killed in Israeli strikes, in Tehran, Iran, July 4, 2025. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency)

If there’s another attack, even the U.S. won’t be able to save Netanyahu

He reiterated: “According to the Supreme Leader’s first command, we had crafted a devastating plan—but the opportunity to execute it didn’t arise. If they attack again, they will see our response. And perhaps even the U.S. won’t be able to save Netanyahu. We are alert and ready.”

 

He also praised the Supreme Leader’s swift and wise decision in appointing a capable successor to the late General Salami just hours after his death. “Our revolutionary brother and fighter, General Pakpour—who has been on the battlefield since his youth—is a loyal, revolutionary, experienced, and operationally seasoned commander.”

 

Mousavi concluded: “Without a doubt, General Pakpour will lead the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps with even more strength and dignity than before.”