Enemy Pursuing ‘Strategic Attrition’ to Weaken the System and Exhaust the People

TEHRAN (Iran News) Major General Amir Hatami, Commander-in-Chief of the Army of the Islamic Republic of Iran, made the remarks on Monday at a graduation ceremony for doctoral and master’s students in defense management at the Army Command and Staff University (DAFOOS).

Congratulating the graduates, he stated that given today’s developments and transformations, the responsibility of the Army of the Islamic Republic of Iran is undoubtedly decisive and critical.

Hatami recalled that in the past month, the enemy had repeatedly attempted to seriously harm the Iranian nation, the country, and the Islamic Republic, but had failed each time. “This makes the Army’s responsibility today even greater,” he said.

Referring to what he described as the enemy’s claims of invincibility, he dismissed them as false and futile. “This is the same enemy that fought for 20 years in Vietnam and Afghanistan and ultimately withdrew in disgrace. The same occurred in Iraq and other countries,” he said. “They enter with claims and intimidation, but always leave in humiliation.” He added that while the enemy’s defeat is inevitable, achieving it requires a clear understanding of the current global situation and steadfast resistance by the Iranian people.

The Army chief also pointed to what he called comprehensive efforts by the enemy to prevent correct decision-making, describing the situation as one of “uncertainty.” He said today’s warfare is far more complex than in the past, involving a hybrid war across political, economic, social, military, psychological, and cognitive arenas. “Not only we, but also our families and children are exposed to this war,” he added.

Hatami stressed that the way to overcome hybrid warfare is through proper understanding. “What can help us confront the enemy’s full-scale hybrid war is knowledge and awareness,” he said. He argued that the enemy seeks to impose its will through intimidation, threats, and limited operations, but emphasized the importance of recognizing the dimensions and objectives of the conflict in order to neutralize such plans.

Emphasizing the need to stand firm against enemies and their demands, he said that steadfastness is the key to confronting them. “The foundation of steadfastness is resistance, and the foundation of resistance is correct understanding,” he noted. He added that guidance from the Commander-in-Chief plays a central role in identifying the right path.

Referring to recent remarks by Ali Khamenei, Hatami said the enemy did not expect to face such firmness despite deploying naval vessels, other weaponry, and issuing threats. He credited what he described as strong leadership and insight for delivering a firm response.

Hatami also addressed what he called the enemy’s miscalculation regarding Iran’s current position. “The enemy believes we are at a point of weakness and it is at a point of strength,” he said. “Our readiness and resolve demonstrate that it is mistaken. Iran is not a country that can be swallowed.” He added that millions are prepared to defend the country, describing martyrdom in the path of God as a high honor.

He further referred to what he described as an attempted “quasi-coup” during unrest in January, saying the enemy implemented its plans based on incorrect calculations but ultimately failed, though the events caused national mourning. “This recent sedition, which resembled a coup and was suppressed by the Iranian people, could have inflicted greater damage, but deep awareness and insight prevented that,” he said.

Hatami warned that other forms of conspiracy could emerge but asserted that they would again be met with decisive responses, citing mass public rallies in January and February as examples of thwarted plots.

Describing the enemy’s actions as part of a “strategic attrition” plan, he said the goal is to gradually weaken Iran. “The enemy seeks to exhaust the people, but with our awareness of its overall plan, we will prevent this objective from being realized,” he said, expressing confidence in success.

He added that the enemy aims to impose the cost of undermining territorial integrity on Iran, similar to developments in some regional countries, but stressed that the Iranian nation would not allow such plans to materialize.

“The divine promise is victory, and it will certainly include us, because we act sincerely for the sake of God,” Hatami said.

He concluded by emphasizing that continuing the path and ideals of the martyrs remains a responsibility, and that the Army, fully aware of its historic mission, will defend the country’s independence, territorial integrity, and the Islamic Republic until its last breath.