Iran’s Hatami urges strengthening armed forces against aggression
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Iran’s Army Chief Amir Hatami said the nation must strengthen its military to counter Israeli and US threats, citing June’s deadly war and past aggressions.
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In this photo released on Monday, June 23, 2025, by the Iranian army press service, Iran's army commander-in-chief Major General Amir Hatami attends a meeting in Zolfaghar central headquarters, Iran. (AP)
Iran’s Army Chief Major General Amir Hatami said strengthening the armed forces is a strategic necessity for the country, particularly in a region where “an occupying, child-killing Israeli regime” seeks to dominate others.
Speaking at a ceremony marking Physician's Day and Pharmacist's Day, celebrating the anniversaries of Avicenna and Zakariya al-Razi, respectively, Hatami underlined the importance of military healthcare in ensuring the army’s readiness. He praised the dedication of military doctors, pharmacists, and staff, adding that strong and motivated personnel were essential to fulfilling the army’s mission.
Strategic necessity of a strong army
Hatami said Iran’s geopolitical position has historically made it vulnerable to aggression, recalling that the country suffered invasions despite declaring neutrality during both World Wars, noting that Iran had just emerged from the Islamic Revolution when it was once again attacked by foreign powers from both East and West.
He also pointed to recent events, saying Iran was targeted by the Israeli occupation and the United States “contrary to all principles and rules of international law,” even as Iranian officials were engaged in negotiations.
“We live in a region where an occupying regime believes no country should be stronger than itself,” Hatami said. “We also live in a world where those claiming global power define peace as unconditional surrender. In such circumstances, Iran has no option but to be strong and powerful.”
Role of the army in safeguarding independence
Hatami stressed that the Iranian Army’s mission to defend the country’s independence, territorial integrity, and the system of the Islamic Republic is of exceptional importance. “This mission is critical in every nation, but in dear Iran—because of its strategic and geopolitical position—it has always been more important and exceptional,” he said.
He assured that the army’s command fully supports the continued advancement of military healthcare and the broader strengthening of the armed forces.
Iranian leader Sayyed Ali Khamenei reaffirmed on Sunday that "the steel shield of unity among the people, officials, and armed forces must remain unbroken."
Sayyed Khamenei delivered the remarks during a mourning ceremony marking the martyrdom anniversary of Imam Reza. The ceremony was held at the Imam Khomeini Hussainiyah in Tehran, where he addressed a large gathering of mourners.
Standing firm against US
The Iranian leader underscored the importance of supporting "the country’s servants, especially the active and diligent president."
He declared that the Iranian people "stand firm against the United States’ humiliating demand for submission," adding that Iran’s adversaries "have learned through resistance, national unity, and enduring harsh military defeats that neither the Iranian people nor the Islamic Republic can be forced to bow through war."
"A war was imposed on us. The Iranian nation stood firmly against it with great strength, capturing the world’s attention. Iran gained a special magnificence in the eyes of the world," he stressed.
