TEHRAN (Iran News) Brigadier General Mohammad Zohraei made the remarks on Tuesday night during the 12th Jihadi Memory Night ceremony held at the Sheikh Saduq Hall in the shrine of Abdolazim Hosseini Shrine.

Referring to what he described as the “civilization-building battle between truth and falsehood,” Zohraei said the role of the jihadi movement must be properly defined during this historical period. He described the movement as one of the spiritual achievements of the Islamic Revolution and emphasized its role in civilization-building efforts.

He called the jihadi movement a modern technological innovation of the revolution and one of the spiritual outcomes of the “Second Step” of the revolution. Zohraei added that this capacity must be firmly rooted in its historical position, strengthening not only service delivery but also ideological discourse and public mobilization in favor of the Islamic Republic.

The official described jihadi volunteers as the intermediary link between government efficiency and the public, stating that responsible and non-neutral positioning by jihadi groups in areas where they operate could help strengthen social cohesion and neutralize enemy efforts.

Zohraei also called for expanding cultural activities among jihadi groups, saying that organizing “Memory Night” ceremonies serves as a spiritual covenant among volunteers while facilitating experience transfer and strengthening collective morale.

He noted that jihadi groups have built a strong record in past years, particularly in poverty alleviation efforts, disaster response including floods and earthquakes, and during the global COVID-19 pandemic, when volunteer forces were among the first responders and among the last to leave affected areas after recovery operations.

He recalled the role of volunteer forces during the coronavirus outbreak, saying that when the unknown virus spread across the world, thousands of volunteers were trained and deployed in various fields, including the preparation, washing, and burial of deceased victims, shouldering heavy responsibilities.

Praising the late Ismail Ahmadi as the founder of the program, Zohraei said the deceased had served as a model of mobilization and popularity among jihadi groups through his cultural, media, and field activities. He added that continuing this path would deepen the country’s jihadi culture.

Providing an overview of jihadi groups in Iran, Zohraei said about 62,000 jihadi groups are currently active nationwide, operating at different levels. Approximately half of these groups are mosque-based or locally focused and mainly serve their immediate communities without migration.

He added that some groups are geographically mobile and operate by attracting public and institutional support, maintaining permanent manpower and specialized expertise in areas such as construction, culture, agriculture, and resistance economy in targeted regions. About 16 percent of the country’s jihadi groups—nearly 1,200 teams—maintain long-term presence in specific areas.

Specialized groups are also active in fields such as medicine, veterinary services, education, and resistance economy, while more than 30,000 local groups provide public services under the “Faith-Based Service Movement.”

Zohraei announced that eight underdeveloped provinces had been selected as targets for Nowruz holiday service programs from mid-Ramadan to April 4. Service areas have been identified in advance, and coordination with executive agencies has been conducted to secure materials and initial funding.

He said jihadi volunteers can choose their preferred province and service field based on their capacity and willingness to ensure more targeted and effective operations during the holiday period.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the ceremony, Zohraei said about 60,000 jihadi groups have registered and are active on the “Jihadi Atlas” platform.

These groups operate in construction, cultural, medical, agricultural, educational, and energy projects in deprived regions and are increasingly moving toward specialized activities requiring professional certification.

He said various development projects have been designed for jihadi teams. In agriculture, water supply projects for farmers have been implemented and have received positive public response. In poverty reduction programs, agreements have been signed with multiple institutions to support housing construction for disadvantaged populations.

In the employment sector, jihadi groups have worked on establishing small family workshops and small-scale industries in urban and rural areas.

Zohraei also noted the entry of volunteer groups into the energy sector, particularly solar power projects. After receiving specialized training, jihadi teams have constructed solar power plants in areas where solar energy could contribute to electricity generation.

He emphasized that the movement toward specialized professional activities is strengthening, adding that volunteers are obtaining necessary certifications to take more solid steps in promoting the national jihadi service movement.

Zohraei also noted that Iran’s 60,000 active jihadi groups provided significant assistance to the government during disasters such as floods and the COVID-19 pandemic, supporting executive agencies in various operations.

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TEHRAN (Iran News) Speaking to IRNA’s correspondent on Monday, Ebrahim Azizi said Americans should know that Iranians, their armed forces, and all institutions would defend the country’s material and spiritual values ​​with all their might, whether on battle filed or diplomatic table.

Azizi made the remarks in reference to the repeated US threats and its military buildup in the region with the aim of intimidating Iran, despite holding talks to resolve nuclear and sanctions related issue.

Americans have not been able to achieve any of their goals over the past seven decades, he said, adding that Iran reciprocates respect, but also acts decisively in the face of threats.

Regarding the regional countries that are trying to prevent a war from happening, he reminded the recent warning of the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei that if the American military mischief would bring the greatest damage to the region. “diplomacy”

The head of the National Security and Foreign Policy Commission of the Parliament, while condemning the hostile and war-mongering policies of the US and the Israeli regime, said that Iran had regularly called on regional nations to join hands to ensure the security of West Asia.

In recent months and days, the US has increased its military and warship presence in the region, with American officials, especially President Donald Trump using outrageous and provocation remarks aimed at destabilizing the region.

Despite engaging the US in indirect negotiations, Iran has repeatedly stated that American bases and all of Washington’s interests would legitimate targets if the country was attacked.

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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.

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TEHRAN (Iran News) The meetings took place in the port city of Visakhapatnam, India, where Rear Admiral Irani met Commander‑in‑Chief of the Russian Navy Admiral Aleksandr Alekseyevich Moiseyev, Commander of the Royal Saudi Naval Forces Vice Admiral Mohammad Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Gharibi, and Commander of Myanmar’s Navy Admiral Htein Win.

The discussions focused on expanding professional naval interactions, including joint exercises, exchange of training delegations, and enhanced use of technical and operational capacities. The military officials underlined the strategic role of seas and maritime routes in economic development and sustainable security.

Issues such as counter‑piracy operations, protection of maritime lines of communication, search and rescue missions, and maritime crisis management were also discussed.

Rear Admiral Irani said Iran supports collective maritime security and regional cooperation, describing multinational naval drills as an effective platform for confidence‑building, operational coordination, and experience sharing among navies.

He reaffirmed the Iranian Navy’s readiness to expand professional engagement and actively participate in joint maritime initiatives.

The MILAN 2026 exercise, one of the world’s major multilateral naval events, brings together naval task groups, vessels and military delegations from numerous countries with the aim of enhancing maritime cooperation and security in international waters.

The discussions focused on expanding professional naval interactions, including joint exercises, exchange of training delegations, and enhanced use of technical and operational capacities. The military officials underlined the strategic role of seas and maritime routes in economic development and sustainable security.

Issues such as counter‑piracy operations, protection of maritime lines of communication, search and rescue missions, and maritime crisis management were also discussed.

Rear Admiral Irani said Iran supports collective maritime security and regional cooperation, describing multinational naval drills as an effective platform for confidence‑building, operational coordination, and experience sharing among navies.

He reaffirmed the Iranian Navy’s readiness to expand professional engagement and actively participate in joint maritime initiatives.

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TEHRAN (Iran News) The MILAN drills are is held every two years in one of India’s largest ports. In the current edition, more than 70 countries are participating. This year’s exercise will be held from February 18 to February 25 at Visakhapatnam Port and in the waters of the Bay of Bengal.

According to the Indian Navy, the objective of the MILAN exercise is to strengthen professional ties among naval forces, share experiences, enhance operational coordination, and increase cooperation among countries in the field of maritime security.

Rear Admiral Shahram Irani, Commander of the Islamic Republic of Iran Navy, who has traveled to India, attended the opening ceremony of the Milan 2026 exercise, as well as the IONS (Indian Ocean Naval Symposium) Chiefs’ Meeting. “Iranian Destroyer”

IONS is a regional forum comprising 25 Indian Ocean littoral states, established in 2008 at the initiative of the Indian Navy. Its goal is to enhance maritime cooperation among the coastal countries of the Indian Ocean region. India will hold the chairmanship of IONS for the next two years.

Rear Admiral Irani also met and held talks with several of his counterparts on the sidelines of the exercise.

According to the Indian Navy, the objective of the MILAN exercise is to strengthen professional ties among naval forces, share experiences, enhance operational coordination, and increase cooperation among countries in the field of maritime security.

Rear Admiral Shahram Irani, Commander of the Islamic Republic of Iran Navy, who has traveled to India, attended the opening ceremony of the Milan 2026 exercise, as well as the IONS (Indian Ocean Naval Symposium) Chiefs’ Meeting. “Iranian Destroyer”

IONS is a regional forum comprising 25 Indian Ocean littoral states, established in 2008 at the initiative of the Indian Navy. Its goal is to enhance maritime cooperation among the coastal countries of the Indian Ocean region. India will hold the chairmanship of IONS for the next two years.

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TEHRAN (Iran News) Speaking on Monday, Rear Admiral Alireza Tangsiri referred to the ongoing maneuver dubbed “Defensive Strength and Offensive Operations from the Persian Gulf Islands,” calling the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz “invincible fortresses” and “national honor” for Iranians.

He said the exercises, involving new tactic and equipment, are part of the annual program to prepare for the security of this strategic region, adding that responsibility for defending the islands and securing the strategic waterway lies with the IRGC Navy.

Rear Admiral Tangsiri continued by saying that the rapid and decisive response of the IRGC operational units to maritime insecurity plots is at the center of the drills that safeguard the interests of countries navigating through the strait.

According to him, the IRGC’s surveillance is strategic in ensuring the security of passage, and therefore, the navy’s oversight of the Strait of Hormuz but is comprehensive, covering surface, aerial and subsurface movements.

Underscoring the critical role the Strait of Hormuz plays in regional and global trade, the navy commander noted that more than 80 oil tankers and commercial ships pass through the strait every day and the IRGC surveillance is aimed at ensuring secure passage for non-hostile countries whose economic interests are linked to this waterway.

He said the exercises, involving new tactic and equipment, are part of the annual program to prepare for the security of this strategic region, adding that responsibility for defending the islands and securing the strategic waterway lies with the IRGC Navy.

Rear Admiral Tangsiri continued by saying that the rapid and decisive response of the IRGC operational units to maritime insecurity plots is at the center of the drills that safeguard the interests of countries navigating through the strait.

According to him, the IRGC’s surveillance is strategic in ensuring the security of passage, and therefore, the navy’s oversight of the Strait of Hormuz but is comprehensive, covering surface, aerial and subsurface movements.

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TEHRAN (Iran News) Responding to Trump’s war rhetoric against Iran during an event on Sunday, General Mousavi said the remarks of a president, who claims to represent a superpower, are not worthy of a head of state and are reckless.

The top commander continued by asking the question as why does Trump talk about negotiations If he intends to go to war, in a rebuke to the US president’s renewed military threat under the guise of Iran’s nuclear program.

General Mousavi warned, however, that entering into a conflict with Iran would lead to consequences that would prevent Trump from repeating such rhetoric anywhere in the world.

As Iran and the US negotiators recently resumed talks on nuclear and sanctions removal issues in Oman, Trump threatened Iran with strikes if a deal was not reached between Tehran and Washington.

Iran has repeatedly warned the United States, and its regional allies of grave consequences for any military mischief, saying the Islamic Republic is prepared to inflict more crushing defeats on aggressors.

The top commander continued by asking the question as why does Trump talk about negotiations If he intends to go to war, in a rebuke to the US president’s renewed military threat under the guise of Iran’s nuclear program.

General Mousavi warned, however, that entering into a conflict with Iran would lead to consequences that would prevent Trump from repeating such rhetoric anywhere in the world.

As Iran and the US negotiators recently resumed talks on nuclear and sanctions removal issues in Oman, Trump threatened Iran with strikes if a deal was not reached between Tehran and Washington.

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TEHRAN (Iran News) In a message marking the anniversary of Operation Valfajr 8 and its “wise” designation as the Day of the IRGC Intelligence Protection Organization, General Pakpour described the body as one of the strategic reserves of the IRGC.

“The IRGC Intelligence Organization, as one of the strategic reserves of this sacred institution, has over more than four decades, through silent, continuous and intelligent efforts, played an irreplaceable role in safeguarding the IRGC against the enemy’s sinister attempts and conspiracies aimed at infiltration, disruption and creating instability,” he said.

He added, “Intelligent prevention, safeguarding spirituality, insight and organizational integrity, and continuous vigilance have provided the ground for the successful execution of the IRGC’s critical and sensitive missions across various arenas.”

“The IRGC Intelligence Organization, as one of the strategic reserves of this sacred institution, has over more than four decades, through silent, continuous and intelligent efforts, played an irreplaceable role in safeguarding the IRGC against the enemy’s sinister attempts and conspiracies aimed at infiltration, disruption and creating instability,” he said.

He added, “Intelligent prevention, safeguarding spirituality, insight and organizational integrity, and continuous vigilance have provided the ground for the successful execution of the IRGC’s critical and sensitive missions across various arenas.”

“The IRGC Intelligence Organization, as one of the strategic reserves of this sacred institution, has over more than four decades, through silent, continuous and intelligent efforts, played an irreplaceable role in safeguarding the IRGC against the enemy’s sinister attempts and conspiracies aimed at infiltration, disruption and creating instability,” he said.

He added, “Intelligent prevention, safeguarding spirituality, insight and organizational integrity, and continuous vigilance have provided the ground for the successful execution of the IRGC’s critical and sensitive missions across various arenas.”

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TEHRAN (Iran News) Brigadier General Yousef Qorbani made the remarks while addressing cadets at Imam Ali Officers’ University in Tehran on Monday.

He elaborated on the Army’s sacrifices made during the Sacred Defense, an eight-year era during which Iran defended its soil in the war with Iraq’s toppled Saddam Hossein’s regime in the 1980s.

Qorbani said that the threats currently faced by Iran may have changed compared to that period, but the nature of hostilities is the same.

“Although the threats ahead have changed compared with the Sacred Defense era, the nature of hostilities have remained the same. Only by preserving a revolutionary spirit, enhancing awareness, maintaining comprehensive readiness, and adhering to leadership can these threats be confronted,” he said.

The army official advised the cadets to work hard to be fully prepared to play key roles in defending the country.

He elaborated on the Army’s sacrifices made during the Sacred Defense, an eight-year era during which Iran defended its soil in the war with Iraq’s toppled Saddam Hossein’s regime in the 1980s.

Qorbani said that the threats currently faced by Iran may have changed compared to that period, but the nature of hostilities is the same.

“Although the threats ahead have changed compared with the Sacred Defense era, the nature of hostilities have remained the same. Only by preserving a revolutionary spirit, enhancing awareness, maintaining comprehensive readiness, and adhering to leadership can these threats be confronted,” he said.

The army official advised the cadets to work hard to be fully prepared to play key roles in defending the country.

He elaborated on the Army’s sacrifices made during the Sacred Defense, an eight-year era during which Iran defended its soil in the war with Iraq’s toppled Saddam Hossein’s regime in the 1980s.

Qorbani said that the threats currently faced by Iran may have changed compared to that period, but the nature of hostilities is the same.

“Although the threats ahead have changed compared with the Sacred Defense era, the nature of hostilities have remained the same. Only by preserving a revolutionary spirit, enhancing awareness, maintaining comprehensive readiness, and adhering to leadership can these threats be confronted,” he said.

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TEHRAN (Iran News) Major General Seyyed Abdolrahim Mousavi made the remarks during a nighttime visit to assess the readiness of one of the Armed Forces’ units. He said the Iranian nation has consistently stood firm against what he described as the United States’ arrogant and aggressive behavior, forcing it into repeated failures, including during what he called a recent complex, multi-dimensional, and terrorist conflict that disrupted enemy calculations.

Mousavi said the Iranian people have proven repeatedly over the past 47 years that Iran “cannot be swallowed,” adding that an obstinate enemy that refuses to learn lessons will ultimately be defeated.

He noted that those who spent months promoting the narrative of a “weak Iran” must now either retract their claims or face what he described as a “regional slap” demonstrating Iran’s power.

Referring to past conflicts, the Armed Forces chief said adversaries appear to have forgotten that in 1979, despite difficult conditions, the Iranian people resisted the world’s major powers for eight years and prevailed. He added that during the so-called 12-day war, Iran thwarted and defeated what he described as a 20-year plan by the United States and the Israeli regime, and later foiled an alleged quasi-coup attempt during the unrest in the month of Dey. “Ira Army ”

Mousavi warned that Iran’s enemies, particularly the United States, should recognize that the motivation of Iran’s Armed Forces to confront adversaries has never been as strong as it is today. He said unresolved retaliation remains on the agenda, and that even a minor miscalculation would open the way for decisive action. “The world will witness a different face of a strong Iran,” he said, adding that in such a scenario, the region would become unsafe for U.S. forces and its allies.

He further stated that if a war were to break out, men and women of the resistance would eliminate any foreign presence in the region.

Mousavi also dismissed claims about a possible naval blockade of Iran, saying Iran’s geography and geopolitical position make it impossible to besiege. He announced that following the 12-day war and continued hostile actions by the United States and Israel, Iran has revised its defense doctrine, shifting toward an offensive approach based on rapid, wide-ranging operations and decisive, unconventional strategies.

He concluded that Iran, relying on divine promises, public support, and strong, ready Armed Forces under the leadership of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, would show no negligence toward its enemies. “We think only of victory,” he said, reiterating that Iran is fully prepared for confrontation and retaliation.

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