WANA (Sep 06) – Major General Amir Hatami, Commander-in-Chief of the Islamic Republic of Iran Army, said that during the 12-day war with the Israeli regime, Iran was effectively fighting the essence of Western and NATO technology, which provided comprehensive support to the enemy.

 

During visits to Army units in Isfahan, Tabriz, and Hamedan, where he evaluated their combat readiness, Hatami addressed commanders, fighters, and pilots, emphasizing the Iranian nation’s resistance against Zionist aggression during the recent war.

 

“The entire Iran—from the ground forces, air defense, and air force of the Army to the Basij, the IRGC, and all segments of the people—were present on the battlefield. They truly fought and resisted so that the Islamic Republic of Iran remains honored throughout history,” he said.

 

Hatami stressed that the martyrs of this imposed war “are the pride of the nation who gave everything they had to defend Islamic Iran, its beloved people, and the borders of dignity and honor.” He urged that the ideals of the martyrs must be safeguarded, and the achievements gained through the sacrifices of the Iranian nation should be used to further advance the country.

 

Enemy’s Pretexts and Hidden Plans

The Army chief said the enemy used the nuclear issue as its main pretext, but its actions on the battlefield showed intentions far beyond its initial claims.

WANA - Arak nuclear facility after U.S. strike

Arak nuclear facility after a U.S. strike. Social media/ WANA News Agency

“This revealed that the enemy had devised detailed plans against the Iranian people, the country, and the sacred system of the Islamic Republic. But thanks to your determination and faith, we emerged victorious and honorable,” Hatami said.

 

He explained that the enemy failed to achieve its main objectives during the 12-day war. Among these objectives, Hatami cited the destruction of Iran’s nuclear capability, which he said was impossible because it is based on indigenous science and technology.

 

“The enemy also martyred some of our commanders to create disruption in the defense path, but through the immediate and divine wisdom of the Commander-in-Chief and the appointment of new commanders, they were defeated again,” he added.

 

The Army commander further stated that the enemy intended to destroy Iran’s missile capability, but failed: “Until the very last moment, with our missile power, we forced the enemy to its knees and struck our intended targets in the occupied territories.”

 

Hatami noted that in the final days of the war, Iranian missile operations intensified, putting Israel’s missile defense shield under serious challenge.

People walk past a billboard with a picture of nuclear scientists killed in Israeli strikes and Iranian centrifuges, on a street in Tehran, Iran, August 29, 2025. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency)

Air Defense and National Unity

The commander pointed out that the enemy also sought to destroy Iran’s air defense power but was defeated in this area as well. “Today you can clearly see the effective role of our air defense forces,” he said.

 

He added that another enemy plan was to damage the unity and solidarity of the Iranian people and the Islamic Republic, but this too ended in failure.

 

“The enemy suffered a surprising and major defeat, as it became clear that its calculations were wrong. The people stood by the Islamic system more firmly than ever,” Hatami stressed.

 

He said the Iranian people recognized the true nature and intentions of the enemy during this war and resisted accordingly.

 

Lessons of the 12-Day War

Hatami described the steadfastness of the people as the result of their deep understanding of the enemy’s goals, but warned that conspiracies will continue: “As long as the great Iranian nation seeks independence, freedom, dignity, and honor, the enemies’ plots will not end. But the Iranian nation stands firm and has decided to remain independent.”

A view of the aftermath of an Israeli strike on a building on Monday, after the ceasefire between Israel and Iran, in Tehran, Iran, June 26, 2025. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency)

Although the war lasted only 12 days, he said, it carried “valuable lessons.”

 

“We fought against the essence of Western and NATO technology. They gave the enemy everything it needed, and wherever the Zionists faced shortcomings, their allies stepped in to provide full support,” Hatami remarked.

 

He emphasized that Iran must always be prepared: “If we want to prevent war, we must be stronger and more ready. The enemy has proven its malice and that it refrains from no crime. We, as soldiers, have learned in our military universities to turn threats into opportunities. Today we know the enemy’s hostility and evil intentions more clearly than before, and we must use this knowledge to achieve effective preparedness.”

 

Strategic Victory

The Army chief described Iran’s victory in the 12-day imposed war as strategic: “This was a strategic victory. I emphasize its strategic nature because in tactics, the margins are narrow—you inflict damage and you also receive damage. But the images of downed enemy drones and the damage inflicted on Haifa and Tel Aviv, despite heavy censorship by the Zionist regime, prove that the Iranian nation not only prevented the enemy from achieving its goals but also showcased its offensive and defensive power.”

 

Finally, Hatami stressed the importance of preserving and using the experiences gained in the war: “Some of our pilots had flights and direct encounters with the enemy during the imposed war. These experiences must be carefully recorded and utilized.”

A general view of the destruction of a residential building in Chamran residential complex in Tehran after the Israeli attacks on Tehran on June 13, 2025, in Tehran, Iran, July 19, 2025. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency)