TEHRAN (Iran News) Speaking at the inauguration ceremony of the Specialized Basij Unit for the National Chain Stores Union on Sunday, November 23, 2025, Qasem Nodeh Farahani emphasized that the launch of the specialized Basij coinciding with the anniversary of the martyrdom of Hazrat Fatemeh was seen as a positive sign.

Nodeh Farahani explained that most guild unions across Iran host Basij branches whose members are drawn from the business community. He added that establishing a Basij unit for chain stores will strengthen coordination between retailers and guilds.

Referring to the resilience of retailers during the 12-day conflict, he revealed that “consumer purchases increased by 200% to 250% during the war.” He stressed that one of the enemies’ goals was to empty store shelves, since warehouses and supply centers can be monitored, but household stockpiling cannot be controlled.

He stated that ensuring fully stocked store shelves is the only way to prevent panic buying. “Fortunately, thanks to the efforts of guilds, chain stores, and retailers across the country, this did not happen,” he said.

Nodeh Farahani also addressed concerns regarding access to flour and bread in northern provinces during the conflict. He reported that, as travel to northern regions increased a few days after the outbreak of war, flour distribution to bakeries in Gilan, Mazandaran, and other cities was expanded through coordination between the Shahid Salami Command Center and the Ministry of Interior, preventing shortages. He described this as a sign of “unity, cooperation, and coordination.”

He concluded by acknowledging inflation but emphasized that commodity supply has remained stable: “Yes, there is inflation in the country, and we cannot deny that. But we are grateful that we have no shortages—that in itself is a blessing.”

At the same event, Mohammad Ali Khorasani, the newly appointed head of the National Chain Stores Union, emphasized that the main goal of chain store retailers during the 12-day war was to ensure public calm through solidarity and service continuity.

He stressed that Basij is not merely an organization but “a mindset and a management approach rooted in responsibility, expertise, commitment, and service.” In the retail sector, he added, Basij can act as a driving force for progress.

Khorasani noted that chain stores account for 15% of the national retail market and therefore have major influence both in supplying goods and stabilizing distribution. He stated that full shelves in these stores have provided reassurance for the public.

He also highlighted the sector’s resilience, explaining that chain stores can maintain stock for one to three months for certain goods. For this reason, he said, stores were ordered to remain open throughout the conflict.

“On the very first day of the war, June 13, we issued a directive to all members prohibiting any closures,” Khorasani said, adding that stores were also instructed not to cancel sales discounts offered before the conflict. Essential items were prioritized, and this policy was successfully carried out.

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TEHRAN (Iran News)The deputy commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) says that Israel and the United States miscalculated in the 12-day war against Iran, believing they would have secured victory but ultimately failed. .

Speaking at an event in the city of Zanjan on Monday, Brigadier General Ali Fadavi recalled that “the Zionist enemy and the US entered the war with their full power, but they suffered a miscalculation as they were certain of success, which did not happen.”

He said since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, the enemies have never ceased their hostility, adding, “From 47 years ago until today, global arrogance, especially America and its allies, have continued their enmities against the Islamic Republic.”

Israel launched the large-scale assaults against Iran on June 13. Washington also joined the Israeli war and bombed three of Iran’s main nuclear facilities on the pretext of preventing Iran from what it claimed to be developing nuclear weapons. The war was halted on June 24 after Israel was forced to unilaterally cease its aggression.

Referring to the 12-day war, Fadavi noted that “in the first days of the war, contacts were made between regional leaders and the Zionist enemy, but after a few days, the situation changed in our favor. These successes were by the grace of God.”

The IRGC deputy commander also cited achievements in the defense of Iran, highlighting missile operations during the 12-day conflict that struck sensitive points in Israel as “a clear symbol of victory.”

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