WANA (Apr 16) – Major General Amir Hatami, Commander-in-Chief of the Islamic Republic of Iran Army, delivered a defiant address asserting that the United States and Israel will never succeed in forcing the Iranian nation to surrender.

 

Speaking on the resilience of the country, Hatami emphasized that the “iron will” of the people remains unshaken despite decades of external pressure and targeted assassinations.

 

‘We Will Never Kneel’

Reflecting on historical attempts to destabilize the Islamic Republic—including the attempted assassination of the Supreme Leader—Hatami noted that enemies mistakenly believed the fall of leadership would lead to the collapse of the nation.

 

“They thought if this flag fell, Iran would surely fall. This stems from their pride and arrogance,” Hatami stated. “But millions of Iranians raised this flag… thousands like me are ready to be sacrificed for this country and these people. We will never kneel.”

 

The Commander highlighted the sustained public presence in support of the state, noting that for over 40 days, the “flags of the revolution” have only multiplied in the streets.

 

Military Readiness and “Invisible” Boundaries

General Hatami dismissed claims by foreign adversaries regarding the degradation of Iran’s military capabilities, specifically citing the strength of the Air Force and Navy.

 

Air Force Strength: Hatami recounted a recent visit by the Pakistani Army Chief. When the guest offered their own fighter jets for escort upon entering Iranian airspace, Iran declined. “We escorted our guest with twice the number of aircraft they intended to bring,” Hatami revealed.

 

Naval Deterrence: Addressing claims that the Iranian Navy had been neutralized, the General asserted that the force stands firm, noting that enemy vessels now maintain a “300-kilometer buffer zone” to avoid confrontation with Iranian naval assets.

 

The Isfahan Operation

The Commander-in-Chief also touched upon a failed enemy heliborne operation in Isfahan. He credited the high state of alertness among intelligence and combat units for the swift neutralization of the threat.

 

“Intelligence elements were vigilant. As soon as the enemy attempted a heliborne operation in Isfahan, the warriors of the Islamic Republic—comprising the Army, IRGC, Law Enforcement, and local Basij—descended upon them like divine soldiers,” Hatami said.

 

He concluded by confirming that the enemy’s C-130 transport aircraft was brought down with the very first shot fired by Iranian forces.