Speaking on the sidelines of the opening ceremony of the 4th International Military Medical Conference of Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Member States in Tehran, Maj. Gen. Habibollah Sayyari stressed that improving the military’s air force and all other capabilities has been a continuing priority since the Iran-Iraq war. “Threats are constantly evolving and we must always be prepared. If we have strong and high deterrence, no one will dare to violate our national interests.”
He also emphasized that the leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Khamenei, has emphasized strengthening all military fronts. “We must always stay on this path and prepare for future threats. Strengthening our capabilities in ground forces, air force, air defense, naval forces, cyber, and all battlefields is always on our agenda.”
Citing lessons learned from the recent 12-day forced war with Israel, Sayari said the Army is applying operational insights from the conflict, just as it did during the COVID-19 crisis. “Wherever weaknesses existed, they have always been addressed,” he added.
On June 13, while Washington and Tehran were in the process of nuclear negotiations, Israel launched a blatant and unprovoked invasion of Iran. The Israeli attack sparked a 12-day war that left at least 1,064 people dead in the country, including military commanders, nuclear scientists and civilians.
The United States also entered the war by bombing three Iranian nuclear facilities in a serious violation of international law.
In response, Iranian forces targeted strategic locations throughout the occupied territories, as well as Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, the largest US military base in West Asia.
On June 24, Iran successfully thwarted the invasion through successful retaliatory operations against both the Israeli regime and the United States.
Elsewhere in his remarks, Sayari stressed that Iran’s current level of preparedness is “very high,” explaining that the military is tested in real-life situations and consistently assesses its capabilities. He reiterated that strengthening combat capabilities remains a permanent strategic directive.
Commenting on the holding of the SCO Military Medical Conference, Sayari said the event will be hosted by the Army Medical University and will focus on health, treatment and medical cooperation between member countries, including China, Russia, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Belarus and Kazakhstan. He described the conference as an opportunity to share military medical experience and deepen defense-related capabilities among SCO member states.
He added that Iran’s recent formal membership in the SCO has strengthened its position within the organization, and that hosting such events strengthens cooperation and exchanges. Sayari also pointed out Iran’s active participation in other international defense platforms, such as the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS), where Iran plays an important role in maintaining maritime security in the northern Indian Ocean.
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