Raeisi: Iran 'Operation True Promise' inflicted strategic defeat on Israel

President Ebrahim Raeisi says Iran's retaliatory operation against Israel inflicted not only a military defeat but also a strategic setback on the occupying Tel Aviv regime, and dissuaded certain regional Arab countries seeking to normalize diplomatic ties with the Zionist entity.

“The Zionist regime’s defeat was an intelligence, security and military one; but it was a strategic setback above all. Some countries sought to normalize relations with the Zionist regime, but they are now humiliated in the eyes of their own nations. This was was a strategic failure for that regime,” he pointed out.

Raeisi made the remarks on Wednesday as he addressed a ceremony in the capital Tehran on the occasion of the National Army Day, where forces with various divisions of Iran’s Army attended a large-scale military parade, and displayed their new defense achievements, and advanced military equipment and hardware. 

The Iranian president went on to point to the growing global support for Palestine as well as simmering resentment against the United States and Israel, emphasizing that support for Palestine and the resistance front has now become the ensign of all nations and religions.

“Our armed forces are ensuring security and peace and establishing sovereignty across the region, and are completely reliable,” the Iranian president stated, urging regional countries to rely on their own assets and Muslim forces rather than foreign interference and partnerships with Israel.

Raeisi also underscored that Iran’s Operation True Promise was "limited and punitive," warning the Tel Aviv regime against any military adventurism as a stronger strike could have totally wiped it out.

He said the operation shattered the Israeli military’s invincibility myth and proved that the regime’s power is like a spider’s web.

“Operation True Promise was a limited and not a comprehensive measure. If we had carried out a stronger operation, nothing would then have been left out of Israel,” he said.

The Iranian president continued, “The [Iranian] Army stands by the nation and acts to defend the homeland, territorial integrity and the values ​​of the Islamic Revolution. Our army has distinguished itself from other armies in the world in terms of belief and faith in God and reliance on divine power.

“Our army is a skilled and trained force. Its military know-how is up-to-date and such a skill has distinguished the Iranian Army. The army is equipped with sophisticated innovations and technologies. The hardware that once had to be operated by other countries before the Islamic Revolution, is now updated by capable technicians in the Armed Forces.”

Raeisi emphasized that Iran has achieved technical, industrial, military, and indigenous independence, thanks to the efforts of young specialists in the armed forces.

He further noted the Islamic Republic’s military capabilities, including the production of fighter jets, vessels, tanks, and smart systems, have established the nation as a formidable force both regionally and globally.

“Our equipped and updated Army, alongside the IRGC (Islamic Revolution Guards Corps) and (other) armed forces, constitute the pillars of our nation's authority,” Raeisi said, stressing that regional forces can rely on Iranian Armed Forces.

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