Brigadier General Abolfazl Shekarchi, the top spokesperson for Iran’s Armed Forces, declared Monday evening that the United States was the “primary party responsible for the aggression” that targeted Iran.
In an exclusive interview for Al Mayadeen, Shekarchi stated that Iran did not initiate the war but responded decisively within 12 days of confrontation with devastating strikes that inflicted “significant damage” on its adversaries.
He emphasized that the ceasefire was “imposed on the adversaries” after they endured powerful Iranian retaliatory operations, noting that it was Iran who launched the last missiles and drones before the cessation of confrontations.
Heavy losses and media censorship
Shekarchi revealed that numerous Israeli military, security, and research centers were completely destroyed. He also reported severe damage to US forces at Al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar, which he referred to as a “friendly country”.
He underscored that most of the losses sustained by the enemy are under a heavy media blackout. “We do not trust what the US and the Zionist entity publish about the damage,” he said.
The Iranian brigadier general challenged the credibility of Western narratives, saying, “If the enemies were truly democratic and honest, let them reveal their losses to the world.” He noted that Iranian drones and missiles breached the most advanced air defenses and that “the airspace of the Zionist entity was exposed to us.”
US, Israeli bases in West Asia within range of Iranian fire
He affirmed that many of the Iranian strikes hit “strategic” targets, noting that Tehran still possesses an extensive bank of additional strategic targets.
Shekarchi said the enemy was “demoralized” by the nature of the targets struck, to the point where its military forces, not settlers, had to retreat to shelters.
He also disclosed that Iranian forces had downed many US and Israeli drones, proving Iran’s capability to defend its vast geography.
Iran is “determined to respond with a devastating force to any new aggression attempt,” Shekarchi warned, asserting that US and Israeli bases in West Asia are within range of Iranian fire.
Iran to ‘cross all red lines’ in the event of any aggression
He warned the US and “Israel” and their backers against violating the ceasefire, stressing that any mistake would be met with a “devastating” response.
Shekarchi made it clear that Iran’s retaliation “would be even more destructive than before,” using new, unexpected military tactics.
He said that his country does not seek to expand the circle of war but emphasized that Iran’s response would be “powerful and comprehensive, encompassing the entire region.”
“In the event of any mistake or aggression, we will cross all red lines,” the Iranian brigadier general underlined.
Shekarchi reaffirmed Iran’s peaceful relations with its neighbors, pointing out that Tehran is “trying to keep any harm away from the region, which US President Donald Trump is driving into tension.”
‘Advanced and destructive military power’
On Iran’s defense capabilities, Shekarchi said the nation possesses “advanced and destructive military power,” produces its weapons independently, updates them rapidly, and is not afraid of engaging in a prolonged confrontation.
“Our scientists and engineers can manufacture state-of-the-art arms without foreign support,” he asserted, promising that Iran’s arsenal can change the outcome of any conflict.
Shekarchi also vowed that the US would “taste the bitterness” of Iran’s response to any aggression.
Brigadier General Shekarchi clarified that the Iranian Armed Forces “use weapons to respond proportionately to the nature of the aggression,” adding, “We have many surprises that you will see on the ground.”
He noted that only a fraction of Iran’s armed forces have participated in the current confrontation, with the deployment of the Quds Force, naval units, and Basij contingent depending on the nature of aggression.
The Iranian armed forces “have used their capabilities wisely in this war,” he affirmed.
‘Israel’ sought US support, used Palestinian civilians as shields
Shekarchi also accused “Israel” of using Palestinian civilians as human shields and said it cannot confront Iran alone, hence its plea for US support. He noted that many countries, especially Western, rushed to arm “Israel” during and after the confrontation.
Despite this support, Shekarchi asserted that the Israeli forces could not match Iran’s military, emphasizing that Iran’s Armed Forces are drawn from its people, not mercenaries.
Call to Islamic nations
Shekarchi called on Islamic nations to cut ties with “Israel” if they cannot confront it directly. “All Muslims should take part in confronting this entity, as it will eventually target them too,” he said, urging West Asian countries to support the Resistance in Gaza and beyond.
No surrender, no retreat
Shekarchi noted that all segments and sects of the Iranian people stood united behind the military during the recent aggression, while “all West Asian countries hailed the devastating Iranian strikes” that targeted” Israel” and US forces.
He made it clear that any talk of surrender or retreat is not found in Iran’s doctrine, reiterating that any aggression will be met with unforgettable blows
Elsewhere, the Iranian brigadier general emphasized that US threats target only those who bow before Washington and reaffirmed that Hezbollah is an independent force defending its homeland, just like other Resistance movements supported by Iran throughout the region.
AL MAYADEEN
