The recent strikes against the Axis of Resistance should not be interpreted by adversaries as a sign of victory, but rather as the beginning of their eventual defeat, affirmed Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.

Speaking at a ceremony marking the fifth anniversary of the martyrdom of General Qassem Soleimani, Commander of the Quds Force in the Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC), and his companions, Araghchi emphasized that diplomacy is an integral part of the broader "Resistance School".

He highlighted that diplomatic efforts progress in parallel with actions on the ground, with both complementing each other in the ongoing struggle.

In a similar vein, Iran's Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf said that the legacy of martyr Soleimani, who dedicated over four decades to fighting terrorism, will persist until the liberation of al-Quds and the demise of "Israel".

In an address during an open session of parliament on Sunday, Qalibaf stated that General Soleimani, who was assassinated by the US in 2020, spent more than 40 years combating aggressor enemies and terrorist groups.

"The path of this great martyr will continue until the liberation of the Holy al-Quds and the elimination of the evil of the Zionist regime," Qalibaf remarked, emphasizing that Soleimani’s presence wherever he went instilled calm and confidence in the face of threats.

Iranians gather in Tehran, Kerman honoring martyr Soleimani

Large crowds of people in Iran participated in a ceremony honoring the former commander of the Quds Force, martyr General Qassem Soleimani, and the martyrs of the Resistance, last Thursday, coinciding with the anniversary of his martyrdom.

On January 3, 2020, the US carried out a drone strike authorized by then-US President Donald Trump targeting a car carrying Soleimani and his Iraqi trench-mate and the second-in-command of Iraq's PMF (Popular Mobilization Forces), Abu Mahdi Al-Muhandis, near Baghdad’s International Airport.

Iranian officials, including President Masoud Pezeshkian, IRGC Commander-in-Chief Hossein Salami, and Quds Force Commander Esmail Qaani, attended the ceremony held at the Imam Khomeini prayer hall in the capital, Tehran.

During the ceremony, Pezeshkian stressed that Iran will continue on the path of martyr Soleimani, confronting sedition and conspiracies, and become more advanced as a nation, stressing that the enemy will not be able to impede these plans.

In Kerman, southeastern Iran, visitors flocked to the shrine of martyr Soleimani in the Martyrs' Garden, on the fifth anniversary of his martyrdom. 

Iranian Leader Sayyed Ali Khamenei praised last Wednesday the extraordinary sacrifices of Iran’s top anti-terror commander, Lieutenant General Qassem Soleimani.

"Martyr Soleimani’s unwavering strategy was to strengthen the Resistance Front. He was constantly dedicated to revitalizing resistance," Sayyed Khamenei stated.

In a powerful address, the Iranian leader praised martyr Soleimani's strategic vision and sacrifices, calling his efforts "unique" in defending Iran's sovereignty and the broader Resistance Front. 

"Soleimani’s logic was to defend the holy shrines in Iraq and Syria, protect Al-Aqsa Mosque, and safeguard the entire land of Iran," he declared.

Highlighting Soleimani's significant role in mobilizing forces across the Middle East, the Iranian leader recalled that the martyr had been instrumental in organizing and arming Resistance fighters in Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon. He also acknowledged the important role of martyr Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis in these efforts.

In a powerful statement of unwavering resolve, Sayyed Khamenei affirmed that Lebanon and Yemen, as iconic symbols of Resistance, will ultimately triumph, despite the significant challenges they continue to face.

He criticized foreign powers, especially the US, for their attempts to manipulate the region, asserting, "The enemies will be forced to leave humiliated."

Turning to Syria, Sayyed Khamenei reiterated that "Syria belongs to the Syrians" and warned that US military bases in the country would eventually be destroyed by the resistance of Syrian youth and warned that any nation that weakens its foundation of national resilience, particularly by sidelining its dedicated youth, risks falling victim to foreign meddling, as seen in Syria.