WANA (Dec 30) – Ali Akbar Velayati, Secretary General of the World Assembly of Islamic Awakening, said that Iran’s adversaries made a “serious miscalculation” in assessing the country’s military capabilities, a mistake he argued has led to a tangible shift in regional power dynamics.

 

In a message addressed to a specialized forum on “Narratives and Responses to Doubts Surrounding the 12-Day War,” Velayati pointed to Iran’s political and military management during the brief confrontation, saying internal cohesion and coordinated action across state institutions played a decisive role. According to him, this approach prevented any leadership vacuum and contributed to strengthening Iran’s defensive capacity while boosting public confidence.

 

Velayati described Iran’s military performance as evidence of a fundamental change in the balance of power. He claimed that Iranian precision-guided missiles penetrated multiple layers of advanced air defense systems and struck sensitive targets in territories under Israeli control, as well as certain US bases in the region.

 

He said these developments exposed the gap between previous assessments of Iran’s deterrence capabilities and realities on the ground, ultimately pushing the opposing side toward seeking a ceasefire.

People attend the funeral procession of Iranian military commanders, nuclear scientists and others killed in Israeli strikes, in Tehran, Iran, June 28, 2025. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency)

From a social perspective, Velayati characterized the 12-day conflict as an uncommon display of unity among Iran’s diverse ethnic groups, generations, and political tendencies. He argued that setting aside internal differences during the crisis created a form of social capital that could contribute to long-term stability and development.

 

He also addressed the broader consequences of the conflict for Israel and its allies, pointing to signs of strategic failure, including economic pressure, deepening internal divisions, and increased reverse migration.

 

At the same time, Velayati said efforts are underway to reshape public perception through media narratives portraying the outcome as a success, a strategy he described as inconsistent with on-the-ground realities.

 

In closing, Velayati emphasized the importance of maintaining national cohesion and strengthening capabilities, calling on Muslim countries to pursue a coordinated and pragmatic approach aimed at stability, progress, and a more effective role in regional and international affairs.