President Masoud Pezeshkian said Iran’s defensive strength is the product of the sacrifice, readiness, and sustained effort of the country’s armed forces, adding that the enemy was caught off guard by Iran’s offensive capabilities during the recent war imposed by the US and the Israeli regime.
Speaking at a meeting with commanders and senior officials of the Ministry of Defense and Armed Forces Logistics in Tehran on Tuesday, President Pezeshkian praised the military’s role in boosting deterrence and national defense. He said the surprise stemmed from years of planning, technological development, and the continuous work of Iranian commanders and specialists.
The president also underlined the need to modernize Iran’s defense and security infrastructure in line with new military technologies, expand cooperation with universities and knowledge-based firms, decentralize defense facilities, and strengthen fortifications.
He also referred to regional developments, saying that countries in the region have come to realize that the US military presence has not brought them lasting security. He added that relying on the United States for security has proven to be an unrealistic and ineffective approach.
The president further stressed that supporting armed forces personnel, particularly in livelihoods, welfare, and housing, remains a key government priority. He said human capital is the core of national defense, arguing that weapons and military systems cannot be fully effective without personnel enjoying economic security and institutional support.
President Pezeshkian also urged special and continuous support for the families of martyrs, veterans, and those affected by war, saying the state has a duty to ensure they are not left without assistance.
He described national unity and social cohesion as the most important pillars of Iran’s strength, warning that weakening the home front would undermine national goals in times of war. He said the government’s economic decision-making is centered on easing public hardship and enhancing unity.
He concluded by honoring martyred commanders, especially former Defense Minister Brigadier General Aziz Nasirzadeh, calling their loss irreparable for the country.