TEHRAN- During the ceremony honoring the newly appointed Iranian Minister of Defense, the chief of staff of the Armed Forces asserted that Iran will not be drawn into the regional war instigated by the Zionist regime. 

Brigadier General Mohammad Bagheri highlighted the significant events that have transpired over the past 11 months, including the Al-Aqsa Storm operation, the attack on Iran's consulate in Damascus, Operation True Promised, the assassination of martyr Ismail Haniyeh, and Hezbollah's retaliatory actions in response to the assassination of Fouad Shukr in the West Asia region.

Bagheri condemned the cowardly assassination of martyr Ismail Haniyeh, the head of Hamas's political bureau, stating, “This incident will not be forgotten and that the Resistance Axis, along with the Islamic Republic of Iran, will seek retribution.”

Bagheri emphasized that Iran will not succumb to the traps and media provocations set by its adversaries, asserting, “The Islamic Republic of Iran will determine its course of action regarding revenge, while the Resistance Axis retains its autonomy to operate independently.”

The chief of staff of the Iranian Armed Forces emphasized the role of the Ministry of Defense as the vital connection between the government and the military. 

He stated, “Iranian Ministry of Defense bears the significant responsibility of fostering collaboration among the government, the general staff of the Iranian Armed Forces, the military, and other national sectors. This coordination has reached its highest level in recent years.”

“Under the fourteenth government, the armed forces will operate in conjunction with the government, following the directives of the Leader of the Islamic Revolution to further national objectives,” he added. 

In conclusion, Bagheri expressed gratitude to the late defense minister, Brigadier General Ashtiani, and extended his best wishes to the new defense minister, Brigadier General Nasir Zadeh, expressing confidence that he will perform his duties with the same excellence he has demonstrated in previous roles, ensuring that the tasks assigned by the Ministry of Defense are executed to a high standard.