Iran Pursues Diplomacy, Will Definitively Respond to Any Aggression: Defense Ministry Spox

"The massive participation of the public in this ceremony is a renewal of the Iranian nation's allegiance to the ideals of the Islamic Revolution, independence, freedom, the Islamic Republic, and the path charted by the martyred leader," the spokesman said, adding that it demonstrates the deep, ideological, and unbreakable bond between the nation and the leadership.

He noted that the school of thought of the martyred Leader, much like the Ashura movement, will inspire future generations, serving as a lasting asset in contemporary history that illuminates the path of struggle against arrogance, oppression, and hegemony for free nations.

Pointing to the hostile policies of the United States and the West against Iran following the victory of the Islamic Revolution, the Defense Ministry spokesman stated: "Before the revolution, the country's defense structure was heavily dependent on Western powers. However, comprehensive sanctions and the severance of military cooperation pushed the Islamic Republic of Iran toward relying on domestic capacities, and these very pressures paved the way for defense self-sufficiency and the development of indigenous industries."

Brigadier General Talaei-Nik further stated that today, relying on indigenous knowledge, domestic scientific and technological capabilities, and supporting elites, the Islamic Republic of Iran has succeeded in designing and manufacturing a wide range of defense equipment and systems completely domestically—an achievement that has not only neutralized sanctions but has also turned Iran into an exporter of defense equipment.

He emphasized that the martyred Leader always considered science, technology, and self-reliance as the main pillars of national authority, noting that his strategic outlook on scientific and defense development has provided the country with effective deterrence, and the experience of the recent war will further enhance these capacities.

Regarding the enemies' goals in the recent war, the spokesman stated that the enemy imagined that by assassinating the Leader of the Revolution, military commanders, and scientists, and by attacking residential areas, it could cause the collapse of the Islamic Republic system. However, he noted, the result was entirely the opposite, and national cohesion, public support, and the authority of the system were strengthened more than ever.

Brigadier General Talaei-Nik asserted that the presence of the people on the scene, the increase in the spirit of sacrifice and readiness to defend the country, and the failure of the enemy's goals on the battlefield showed that the calculations of the US and the Zionist regime have failed.

Highlighting Iran's principled policy toward regional and global developments, the spokesman reiterated: "The Islamic Republic of Iran pursues the path of diplomacy with authority, but it will deliver a decisive, effective, and proportionate response to any aggression or violation of red lines, a reality that past experiences have already proven to the enemies."

He concluded by stressing that today, relying on its people, domestic power, valuable defense experiences, and the guidance of the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei, the Islamic Republic of Iran will powerfully continue its path of strengthening national power, developing deterrence, and maintaining sustainable security.

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