WANA (Jun 29) – Major General Seyed Abdolrahim Mousavi, Chief of Staff of Iran’s Armed Forces, expressed serious doubts about the durability of the current ceasefire during a phone call with Saudi Arabia’s Defense Minister, Prince Khalid bin Salman. He emphasized that Iran remains fully prepared to respond to any future aggression.

 

Iran’s newly appointed Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces, Major General Mousavi, stated that the recent joint attacks by the United States and Israel on Iranian territory occurred despite Iran’s restraint and while indirect negotiations with Washington were still underway.

 

“These two regimes have proven they adhere to no international rules or norms,” he said. “The recent 12-day imposed war made this clear to the world,” he added.

 

Tehran Asserts Right to Respond

He reiterated that Iran was not the initiator of the conflict but responded with full force once attacked. “Given our serious doubts about the enemy’s commitment to any agreement, including the ceasefire, we are fully prepared to deliver a decisive response to any renewed act of aggression,” he warned.

 

Saudi Arabia Condemns Attacks, Offers Condolences

In response, Saudi Defense Minister Khalid bin Salman stressed that Riyadh has gone beyond merely condemning the attacks and has actively worked toward ending the war of aggression. He also extended condolences over the recent loss of several Iranian military commanders during the conflict.

 

The conversation follows the appointment of Major General Mousavi as Iran’s Chief of the General Staff by the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic, Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei. He replaces General Mohammad Hossein Bagheri, who was killed in a terrorist strike.

 

On Friday, June 13, a series of Israeli airstrikes targeted Tehran and several other cities, resulting in the deaths of a number of senior Iranian military commanders, scientists, and civilians. The attacks have sharply heightened tensions in the region and prompted widespread condemnation from Iranian officials.

Chief of Iranian Armed Forces, Mohammad Bagheri, welcomes Saudi Defence Minister, Prince Khalid bin Salman, in Tehran, Iran, April 17, 2025. Iranian Armed Forces Office/WANA (West Asia News Agency)