Title: Senior Quds Force Commander Reaffirms Iran’s Commitment to Resistance Path
TEHRAN – In a powerful address at a major commemoration ceremony, a high-ranking commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Quds Force delivered a resolute message, underscoring the nation’s unwavering commitment to its strategic path and the legacy of its martyred leaders.
The ceremony, held at Tehran’s Imam Hussain Square on Thursday, marked the anniversary of the martyrdom of key leaders and commanders of the Resistance front.
An Unbroken Path of Resistance
Brigadier General Iraj Masjedi, the Deputy Coordinator of the IRGC Quds Force, stated that the core message of the gathering was clear: “The Iranian nation will continue the path of the martyrs and their school of thought with power and conviction.”
“We are a nation that will not abandon the pure blood of our martyrs,” he declared, emphasizing that the path of those who gave their lives for Islam, the Revolution, and the defense of oppressed Muslim nations would be pursued with immense strength.
A Display of Popular Support
Highlighting the widespread support for the Resistance, Brig. Gen. Masjedi pointed to the massive turnout at last year’s anniversary ceremony, which foreign observers estimated to be in the millions. He cited this as evidence that while commanders and mujahideen may be lost, countless dedicated individuals are ready to continue their mission, a phenomenon he stated is mirrored within the Islamic Republic of Iran itself.
Defining Victory Through Steadfastness
Addressing recent conflicts, the commander articulated a perspective on victory rooted in resilience. He referenced a leader from the Palestinian Hamas movement who asserted that the people of Gaza emerged victorious from their struggle. “How could a people who endured martyrdom, the destruction of their homes, and the most severe bombardment not be victorious?” he asked, linking this to a deep-seated belief in the ethos of martyrdom.
“Today, millions across the world raise the Palestinian flag,” he continued. “This is our victory. They wanted Palestine to be forgotten, but today it resonates in the hearts and minds of people globally.”
The Legitimacy of Defense
The senior commander robustly defended the role of groups like Hezbollah in Lebanon, framing their actions as a legitimate defense of their homeland against aggression. “Their only message is the defense of their nation and land,” he stated. He questioned the labeling of such forces as “terrorists,” asking, “Is someone who defends their country, their people, and their borders a terrorist, or are you the terrorists?”
He credited these forces, operating under the guidance of martyred commanders, with the defeat of terrorist groups like ISIS, asking why there would be conspiracies to dismantle such revolutionary and popular organizations.
A Message of Resolve to Adversaries
Brig. Gen. Masjedi concluded his address with a direct and forceful statement directed at external pressures. He asserted that the enemies’ goal is to ensure no independent, powerful force exists in the region to stand against them.
“But the Islamic Iran, after the Revolution, has shown—both during the Sacred Defense and the recent twelve-day war—that its people, men and women, young and old, stand resilient and powerful against the enemy,” he affirmed.
He warned that any threat, sanction, or hostile action only serves to make the Iranian people more resistant, cohesive, and united. He concluded by stating that the heroic nation of the Islamic Republic would stand against all threats with full power and would ultimately prevail.