WANA (Feb 25) – The Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces warned that Iran would inflict heavy casualties if its enemies make another mistake.

 

Major General Mousavi made the remarks during a meeting in Tehran with Armenian Defense Minister Suren Papikyan, who traveled to Iran at the invitation of Iran’s Minister of Defense and Armed Forces Logistics for bilateral talks.

 

Referring to the long-standing historical ties between the two neighboring countries, Mousavi said relations and cooperation among regional states play a significant role in ensuring regional security and stability. He emphasized Iran’s readiness to expand military cooperation with the Armenian armed forces.

 

He described the presence of extra-regional powers as contrary to the interests of regional nations and a source of instability and insecurity. Stressing what he called their ill intentions, Mousavi said the world is in a transitional phase away from a unipolar and unilateral order.

 

He accused the United States of resisting this shift and attempting to impose its dominance through illegitimate and unlawful actions, adding that the end of the unipolar order is inevitable.

 

Mousavi also referred to what he called a “12-day imposed war,” stating that despite damage and the loss of brave commanders, dedicated scientists, and innocent civilians, Iran’s armed forces, backed by public support, forced the enemy to plead for a ceasefire.

 

He added that Iran has never initiated a war and that its previous approach focused on preventing the expansion of conflicts and minimizing casualties.

 

However, he said U.S. actions have led to a change in strategy, warning that “if the enemy makes a mistake this time, we will inflict heavy casualties,” and asserting that the Iranian nation and armed forces are determined to stand against what he described as a system of domination.

 

Commenting on developments in the South Caucasus, Mousavi said Iran is sincerely pleased with the peace process between Azerbaijan and Armenia.

 

Papikyan, for his part, stated that security and peace in the region benefit all regional countries and affirmed Armenia’s support for a peaceful process. He described Iran and Armenia as naturally committed neighbors and stressed the vital importance of stable and inviolable borders between the two countries.

 

During the meeting, both sides underscored the need to expand bilateral cooperation in various defense sectors, including technical and educational fields.