Mousavi: The Enemies Wouldn’t Dare Make Another Mistake
WANA (Oct 20) – Iran’s Chief of Staff, Major General Seyed Abdolrahim Mousavi, said on Saturday that while Iran’s adversaries are “inherently hostile and aggressive,” it is unlikely they would attempt another strike after the heavy blow they received — provided they act sensibly — and vowed that the armed forces will maintain the highest level of readiness.
Mousavi told newly graduated officers at the Imam Ali Officer Training University that Tehran is carefully monitoring adversaries’ movements and, while “not war-seeking,” remains prepared. He said Iran is aware of the rules for de-escalation and does not currently intend to take offensive action — but warned that any Iranian response in the future would be fundamentally different.
Regarding the recent 12-day war, Major General Mousavi said: “By their own admission, they planned for 15 years, equipped and trained themselves, rehearsed their operations multiple times, organized their infiltrators, and chose what they believed was the best time to act. Yet, under the command of the Supreme Leader, with the grace of Almighty God, the insight of our nation, and the courage of the armed forces of this proud country, they were dealt an unforgettable blow.”
Graduation Ceremony of Army Officer University Students on October 20, 2025. Social media/ WANA News Agency
Speaking at the graduation ceremony — which was attended by senior military figures and streamed to other officer academies — Mousavi hailed the new graduates as future commanders of the army and officers of the “axis of resistance,” saying their student years coincided with a period of faith-based resistance and visible victories against global coercion.
He added, “Today, the world looks upon Iran’s faith, determination, courage, and solidarity with respect, and the world now believes in the power of resistance. Today, Palestine has become a beloved name around the globe, and Gaza stands as a symbol of endurance and the triumph of blood over the sword.”
On the wider consequences of the conflict, which he referred to as Operation al-Aqsa Storm, Mousavi asserted that the operation marked the start of major regional and global developments. He said U.S. and Israeli actors, long able to shape narratives through media influence, were exposed and discredited, while the Palestinian cause returned to the forefront of international attention.
Graduation Ceremony of Army Officer University Students on October 20, 2025. Social media/ WANA News Agency
The Chief of Staff continued: “Today, even the most skeptical people have come to believe that the stance of the Islamic Revolution is a rightful and principled one. When it calls for defending the oppressed and downtrodden, it stands on the right side of history; and when it resists bullying powers, it demonstrates wisdom, dignity, and independence.”
Major General Mousavi added: “The Zionist regime, with U.S. support, attacked Iran in an attempt to escape its disgrace, internal disarray, and the wave of global hatred it faced — but it was decisively defeated and desperately called for a ceasefire.”
Mousavi warned that the adversary is now trying to recover the narrative through a full-scale cognitive war — including disinformation, rumors, psychological operations, and manufactured narratives — aimed at undermining national cohesion and the country’s “resistance” posture. He urged that the armed forces preserve and raise readiness and called on the media and intellectuals to counter enemy propaganda by explaining the facts clearly.
Graduation Ceremony of Army Officer University Students on October 20, 2025. Social media/ WANA News Agency
He also urged universities and research centers to produce analysis and ideas, stressing that modern conflict is not only about tools and structures but about meanings and narratives. Mousavi advised graduates to strengthen spirituality, scientific knowledge, military skills, physical fitness, mental resilience, creativity, and familiarity with the tactics of cognitive warfare.
Concluding his address, Mousavi expressed gratitude to the Supreme Leader and prayed for the continuation of his guidance, saying future generations will remember this generation and the armed forces with pride for overcoming present challenges. The ceremony at Imam Ali Officer Training University included the Army Commander and other senior officials and was held in person and via webinar across other military academies.
Graduation Ceremony of Army Officer University Students on October 20, 2025. Social media/ WANA News Agency
