TEHRAN – A former commander of Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) says Iran is prepared to deliver a powerful response to the malicious actions of the Zionist regime.

During a gathering with veterans of the Iran-Iraq war on Saturday, Mohsen Rezaei condemned the recent actions of Israel in Gaza and Tehran, labeling them as severe violations of human rights.

Rezaei expressed deep concern over the escalating situation in Gaza, where Israeli forces have targeted civilians, including women, children, and the elderly. 

He also condemned the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh, the political bureau chief of the Palestinian Resistance movement Hamas, who was martyred in his residence in the Iranian capital early on Wednesday, July 31, 2024.

He pointed out that such acts have not only outraged the Iranian leadership but also resonated with people worldwide.

He cited Article 51 of the United Nations Charter, which grants countries the right to self-defense, affirming that the Islamic Republic of Iran is entitled to defend itself and will not tolerate any further aggression

"Iran will respond to the Zionist regime's wickedness with wisdom and power," Rezaei stated firmly. 

Rezaei also condemned the bombing of the al-Tabin School in Gaza by the Israeli regime, which resulted in the deaths of more than 100 students, as well as prior attacks on hospitals and the killing of journalists. He argued that such actions are unprecedented in both regional and global history.

Rezaei also accused those who claim to defend human rights of complicity, stating that their support for Israel's actions has destroyed their credibility.

“The West's support for Israel's actions has exposed the hypocrisy behind their claims of championing freedom and human rights,” he noted.

In his closing remarks, Rezaei called on all Islamic nations to unite against this "murderous and racist gang." He stressed that stopping the Israeli regime's "killing machine" will require not just rhetoric but actual power and practical action. "We urge all Islamic countries to work together to rid the region of this violent and racist force," he concluded.