The commander of Iran’s Khatam al-Anbia Central Headquarters has declared that the world will soon witness Iran’s triumph and the victory of the “resistance” over its adversaries, in a message marking the first anniversary of the assassination of his predecessor.

Major General Ali Abdollahi issued the statement Saturday to commemorate the martyrdom of Major General Gholam Ali Rashid, who was killed in what Iran describes as a terrorist operation by the “Zionist regime” at the beginning of the 12-day war in June 2025.

In his message, Abdollahi paid tribute to Rashid’s contributions to shaping Iran’s defense doctrine and pledged to continue his strategic path. He described the loss as painful but said it had demonstrated the Islamic Republic’s deterrent power and national strength to the international community.

“Although the martyrdom of the senior commander had been a painful loss, it once again demonstrated the deterrent capability and national strength of the Islamic Republic of Iran before the world,” Abdollahi stated.

The general highlighted Rashid’s comprehensive understanding of the enemy’s hybrid threats and his role in maintaining Iran’s security through “strategic patience” combined with the strengthening of offensive and deterrent capabilities. Abdollahi added that Rashid’s assassination itself proved his central importance in advancing Iran’s defense objectives.

“The assassination of Rashid by the Zionist regime with the cooperation of the terrorist government of the United States was itself evidence of the late commander’s key position in advancing the country’s defense objectives,” he said.

Abdollahi affirmed that the Iranian people, guided by Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Mojtaba Khamenei, would remain steadfast alongside the Armed Forces in confronting threats.

“By God’s grace, the world would soon hear the echo of victory by Iran and the Iranian nation and witness the triumph of resistance over the aggressor and terrorist enemies,” the commander concluded.

The remarks come amid heightened regional tensions following last year’s conflict. Iranian officials have repeatedly vowed retaliation for the killing of senior military figures and continue to frame their defense posture as both reactive and resolute. (ILKHA)