"Israel's" claims that it destroyed 50% of Iran's missile launchers are "pure lies", Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, the head of the Iranian Shura Council, stressed during an interview held to commemorate the country's Sacred Defense Week. 

According to Ghalibaf, “the enemies were planning to carry out an attack similar to the pager operation [in Lebanon] targeting the Iranian missile system, but ultimately failed after Iranian rockets accurately struck the strategic Beer al-Sabe' area. “Every Iranian missile was a clear message,” he asserted.

True Promise 4 on the table

Highlighting Operation True Promise 3, Ghalibaf said it demonstrated the precision and capability of Iran’s missile program, emphasizing that “the enemy is well aware of this.” He warned that should any future aggression occur, Operation True Promise 4 would involve “even stronger and more powerful missiles.”

Ghalibaf stressed that defending Iran is not only a matter of national interest, but also serves the entirety of the Islamic world, Tehran’s national security, and the security of the greater region.

He underscored that Iran’s missile response is rooted in safeguarding regional security, and that Tehran remains resolute in the face of threats, stating, “We defend our country because it is necessary for the region's stability as a whole.”

'Hezbollah stronger than ever'

Ghalibaf also addressed concerns about Hezbollah and its armament, rejecting all claims of "dead ends" in terms of delivery. Although he acknowledged ongoing difficulties, the Iranian official  perceived the situation positively.

“In terms of beliefs, capabilities, cohesion, material and moral aspects, Hezbollah is alive and more spirited than ever,” he said, adding that this resilience remains constant despite Israeli operations, including the pager operation and targeted assassinations.

Warning against future aggression

Ghalibaf reiterated a firm warning issued on August 26, cautioning that any new aggression against Iran would lead to the expansion of the conflict into new areas and additional domains. He stressed that Tehran’s response to any future attack by its enemies would be “stronger than ever.”

His statement echoes remarks made by the Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC), also released during the Sacred Defense Week.

The IRGC drew parallels between the enduring lessons of the Iran-Iraq War and the recent 12-day war started by "Israel", affirming the nation's continued capability to maintain its strategic initiative and effectively deter external threats.

The IRGC stated that Iran's armed forces, guided by the Leader of the Islamic Revolution Sayyed Ali Khamenei and inspired by past defense experiences, have achieved notable self-sufficiency, battlefield initiative, and operational readiness.

The statement underlined that effective deterrence stems from constant readiness, innovation in strategy and tactics, and ongoing development of advanced defense systems, stating, “In the event of any miscalculation or aggression, the Islamic Republic of Iran will maintain battlefield initiative and deliver another decisive and instructive response."

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