WANA (Apr 18) – Highlighting the total readiness of Iran’s Armed Forces to counter any threat, the Commander of the Army Ground Forces emphasized that the enemy must take the thought of a ground assault on the borders of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the grave, and such ideas must remain solely within their imagination.

 

Brigadier General Ali Jahanshahi, Commander of the Ground Forces of the Army of the Islamic Republic of Iran, referred to developments following the “Recent War” in a televised interview.

 

He stated that by utilizing lessons learned from imposed wars—specifically the 12-Day War—and through the strategic initiative of the late General Mousavi, the Armed Forces’ approach has shifted from defensive to offensive.

 

He added that since the initial days following the 12-Day War, various intelligence and operational meetings were held with force commanders, and operational plans were revised.

 

Deployment of Ground Units at Borders During Wartime

Regarding the Ground Forces’ mission to protect the borders, General Jahanshahi stated that units were deployed to high-risk passages, and necessary weaponry and equipment were procured. Following the emphasis of the Army’s Commander-in-Chief on preventing personnel vulnerability, required armaments were stationed at the borders.

 

He continued: “Prior to the ‘Third Imposed War,’ sensing the necessity, we reinforced our border forces. Under the direct view of enemy aircraft and drones, most Army units were deployed to the country’s borders. Combat brigades, combat support, special forces, missile units, drone groups, and engineering groups were stationed across all borders, including the Northwest, Southwest, East, Southeast, and even the Makran coasts.”

 

The Commander emphasized that by the grace of God and the deterrence created, the enemy was dissuaded from a ground attack. “When they witnessed the readiness of the Armed Forces and the reinforcement of the borders, they abandoned the idea of using Takfiri terrorist groups as infantry in a ground war.”

 

General Jahanshahi stated decisively: “The enemy must take the thought of a ground attack on Iran’s borders to the grave; it must remain only in their fantasies. We will not allow them to even approach the border.”

 

100-Kilometer Intelligence Surveillance Beyond Borders

Pointing to the monitoring capabilities of the Ground Forces, he noted: “With intelligence dominance at the borders, we monitor the enemy both inside and up to approximately 100 kilometers beyond the borders. We have enemy headquarters under surveillance; if they make the slightest move, we will confront them using Ground Force missiles, the Air Force, artillery, and combat drones.”

 

The Commander affirmed the full readiness of all units: “We are ready with open eyes and fingers on the trigger. The personnel of the Ground Forces are present at the borders with fortitude; they have been away from their families for over 40 days but remain ready.”

 

He said: “We would have welcomed it if ‘Criminal America’ or its lackey forces in the region approached our borders. We promise and commit to the Iranian people that your forces—your children in the Army and the Ground Forces—remain ready to defend the country’s borders. Anyone who approaches will find that Iran’s borders will turn into a cemetery for them.”

 

Strategic Drone Operations of the Army

General Jahanshahi addressed the Army’s drone operations, noting the shift to an offensive stance. He stated that the Ground Forces played a significant role by launching the highest number of drone strikes against the “Zionist regime” and U.S. bases in regional countries.

 

He added that these operations were highly effective regarding U.S. personnel housing in regional bases, their equipment locations, Israeli regime airports, and their aviation industries.

 

“Drones played a key role in engaging the enemy’s air defense systems, allowing missiles to have a greater impact. The missiles fired by Ground Force units at U.S. bases in the region were very effective. We predicted hitting the enemy’s bases, and we did so,” the Commander stated.

 

He highlighted that the indigenous drones possess high-quality warheads and significant operational endurance, proving their reliability through continuous launches from the first to the last day of the operations.

 

The Role of Ground Forces in Defeating the Enemy in the Isfahan Operation

The Commander referred to a significant event on April 5th in southern Isfahan Province. He stated that air defense systems were active at over 700 points.

 

As soon as Army intelligence announced the impending operation, personnel at the Air Defense College in Shahin Shahr, Isfahan, voluntarily organized themselves.

 

The operation was led by the late Brigadier General Masoud Zare, Commander of the Army Air Defense College. Jahanshahi described him as one of the best air defense experts in the Armed Forces, having trained hundreds of officers.

 

“When the alert was issued, the defense organization lay in ambush along the enemy aircraft’s flight path. The first effective action was taken by commander Masoud himself. As a specialist, he knew exactly when, where, and at what distance to fire. That effective shot forced the enemy, who had a specific mission, to retreat.”

 

He added: “This operation forced the enemy to accept defeat and a ceasefire. Our personnel entered this path voluntarily and with a spirit of martyrdom. In one drone operation, they knew they would be martyred, but they stood firm as committed and faithful officers.”

 

Preemptive Measures Against Potential Enemy Operations

General Jahanshahi noted that several days prior, they had monitored the possibility of such events occurring in multiple locations. Preemptive teams were prepared for scenarios where the enemy might use dirt airstrips or act in nuclear zones.

 

Tenfold Increase in Equipment Production During the War

Regarding operational sustainability, he remarked: “If we were dependent on foreign countries, we could not have produced ten times the equipment we needed by the third war. Regarding drones, during the war, we were simultaneously launching, optimizing heavy and ultra-heavy vehicles, and maintaining production daily.”

 

Ceasefire Does Not Mean the War is Over

Addressing the country’s current state, General Jahanshahi stated: “Given that our priority is defense against the enemy, we are in a situation this year where the war has not yet ended. A ceasefire is not a sign of the war’s conclusion. For this reason, our forces remain stationed at the borders, with most Army units, particularly the Ground Forces, protecting the borders.”

 

He concluded by noting that the Army has been advised to remain at the borders this year for protection. While a limited number of training units may be present in public squares, the primary responsibility remains at the borders.