TEHRAN – In separate messages on Sunday, the Iranian Army commander and defense minister commended the brave members of the Air Force on the eve of Martyrs Congress.

Army Commander lauded the Air Force personnel’s unwavering commitment to serving the country and their sacrifices in the name of national defense.

Major General Mousavi described the Air Force personnel as “brave soldiers on the path of God,” highlighting their heroism and dedication to protecting national airspace.

General Mousavi described Air Force members as men whose “battlefield is the sky, who guarded the flowers until the spring, warriors whose honor shows the support of the nation and whose aim is to serve the nation and the Leader of the Islamic Revolution.”

He emphasized that the Iranian nation will never forget the Air Force’s crucial role in safeguarding the nation’s airspace since the Islamic Revolution, during the Sacred Defense era, and beyond.

The senior commander also acknowledged the Air Force’s contributions to supporting the oppressed people of Syria and assisting fellow Iranians affected by natural disasters.

General Mousavi emphasized that the Air Force’s remarkable achievements should be celebrated not only for the bravery and sincerity of its fallen martyrs but also for the unwavering patience and perseverance of the families of these courageous soldiers.

Defense Minister Mohammad Reza Ashtiani also lauded the unwavering dedication and sacrifices of the Air Force during and after the Sacred Defense.

The message highlighted the Air Force’s crucial role in national defense, emphasizing its unwavering presence and timely response to challenges throughout the years.

Brigadier General Ashtiani recalled the Air Force’s historical pledge of allegiance to the late founder of the Islamic Revolution and their unwavering commitment during the Sacred Defense and the years later.

The Sacred Defense refers to Iran’s defense against the invading army of Saddam Hussein in the 1980s. He emphasized that these sacrifices are merely a glimpse of the Air Force’s illustrious record, highlighting their unwavering commitment to national defense.

The defense minister paid tribute to the memory of all martyrs of the Sacred Defense era, with a special emphasis on the martyrs of the Air Force. He also expressed his deepest gratitude to the families of these fallen heroes.