TEHRAN – Major General Hossein Salami, the chief commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC), declared that Muslims will now determine their own fate, emphasizing that anti-terror Resistance groups will respond proportionally to any acts of aggression in West Asia.

Salami made these remarks on Saturday during the "Defenders of Holy Shrine and Resistance Front" conference in Mashhad, Iran.

He assured that Palestinians would continue to confront the Israeli regime vigorously, supported firmly by all forces within the Axis of Resistance.

"The Defenders of the Holy Shrine and fighters of the Resistance Front exemplify courage, sacrifice, martyrdom, freedom, and dignity," Salami stated. "Islamic history shows that the path to Muslim honor and dignity lies in Jihad and martyrdom."

Salami noted that Westerners understand no power can achieve global prominence without the Muslim world. He argued that Western powers have sought to dominate the world by controlling Muslims, influencing various sectors from economy to culture for nearly a century, with the creation of Israel in 1947 being a result of such dominance.

"They divide Muslim countries among themselves, leaving Muslims in poverty, helplessness, and backwardness," he said. "The Zionist regime serves as a dangerous hub for Western interests, preventing Muslim unity and sovereignty like a poisoned dagger in the Muslim world's side."

Salami highlighted that the martyrs of the Resistance Front embody trust, resistance, and perseverance, asserting that Muslims no longer wish to bow to Western hegemony, which he described as worse than death.

He also pointed to growing international support for Gaza and pro-Palestinian rallies in the U.S. and Europe, claiming that Palestine has garnered worldwide sympathy. Salami concluded by asserting that the Resistance Front is destined for victory, noting the ongoing resilience and successes in Palestine, Lebanon, Yemen, Afghanistan, and Syria.

The conflict in Gaza has inflicted devastating losses, with Israeli actions since October 7 leading to the deaths of at least 37,700 Palestinians, primarily women and children, and injuring 86,377 others.

Despite a UN Security Council resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire, Israel's ongoing crimes in the beleaguered enclave have drawn widespread global condemnation.

Over eight months into the Israeli war, vast tracts of Gaza lie in ruins amid a crippling blockade of food, clean water and medicine.