WANA (Oct 02) – The Deputy Coordinator of the IRGC Quds Force said: “Islamic Iran has shown, both during the Sacred Defense and the 12-day war, that the Iranian nation—men and women alike—is resilient and strong, and stands firm against the enemy.”

 

Iraj Masjedi, Deputy Coordinator of the IRGC Quds Force, addressed the gathering on Thursday, saying Iran’s people will continue the path and doctrine of the “martyrs with strength and conviction.” He praised those who, in his words, laid down their lives for Islam, the revolution, the Islamic resistance movement, and the defense of oppressed peoples, and said their path would be carried forward powerfully.

 

Masjedi questioned why young leaders and fighters with such ideals are labeled “terrorists” and targeted for assassination, saying those who defend their lands and national causes should not be branded as terrorists. He accused unnamed adversaries of killing resistance leaders—citing the killing of Qassem Soleimani in Iraq—and of being complicit in violence across Iran, Iraq, Qatar, Syria, and elsewhere.

A banner with an image of late Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah is displayed during a ceremony to mark the first anniversary of the assassinations of Hezbollah leaders Hassan Nasrallah and Hashem Safieddine, in Tehran, Iran, October 2, 2025. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency)

He defended groups such as Hezbollah and the Popular Mobilization Forces (al-Hashd al-Shaabi), saying they had fought extremists and should not be considered terrorist organizations. “What did al-Hashd al-Shaabi do other than defeat ISIS under the leadership of the late Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis and with decisive support from the martyr Soleimani?” he asked.

 

Masjedi also warned against efforts to disarm resistance forces, arguing such moves are intended to leave Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, and Iran without forces able to confront Israel. He rejected calls for restraint on missile capabilities, saying adversaries want to be able to destroy land at will.

 

He praised the resilience of the Iranian nation since the revolution, citing Iran’s resistance in the Iran–Iraq War and the 12-day conflict, and said Iranian men and women would not yield to enemies. He added that recent threats would only strengthen public unity and resolve.

Hezbollah supporters gather to mark the first anniversary of the assassinations of Hezbollah leaders Hassan Nasrallah and Hashem Safieddine, in Tehran, Iran, October 2, 2025. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency)

Describing Nasrallah as “a powerful and strong mujahid in the defense of the Lebanese people,” Masjedi said Iran desires peace and is not a warmonger, blaming others for initiating past wars. He accused the United States of a long record of wars and blamed “criminals” for cutting off water and food to oppressed peoples in the region while labeling others as warmongers and terrorists.

 

Masjedi concluded with a direct address to U.S. and Israeli leaders, saying: “Trump — you coward — and Netanyahu, you are the ones who assassinated the martyr Soleimani, and now you threaten the Iranian nation? The people of Iran will stand up to you with heroic resolve and will defeat you.”

 

A memorial ceremony marking the anniversary of the assassination of Seyed Hassan Nasrallah and Seyed Hashim Safi al-Din, Hezbollah’s late leaders, was held this evening at Imam Hossein Square in Tehran, drawing crowds as well as some officials and commanders, including the commander of the IRGC Quds Force, General Esmail Qaani.

People walk past a billboard with a picture of late Hezbollah leaders Hassan Nasrallah and Hashem Safieddine and senior Iranian military commander General Qassem Soleimani, on a street in Tehran, Iran, September 27, 2025. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency)