Iran’s Revolutionary Guards ground forces leader Mohammad Pakpour attended a funeral in Tehran. — Reuters
The commander of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards issued a stern warning to Israel and the United States, cautioning them to “avoid any miscalculations.” He emphasized that the forces are prepared to execute the directives of Iran’s Supreme Leader. Pakpour advised both nations to learn from past experiences, referencing the 12-day imposed war, warning of potential consequences if they fail to heed the lessons of history.
He stated, “The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and dear Iran have their finger on the trigger, more prepared than ever, ready to follow the orders of the supreme commander-in-chief— a leader more treasured than their own lives,” referring to Ayatollah Khamenei.
These remarks were conveyed through a written statement broadcasted on state television during Iran’s national day celebrations honoring the Guards, a force tasked with safeguarding the 1979 Islamic revolution from inside and outside threats.
Pakpour assumed command last year after Hossein Salami, his predecessor, was killed in an Israeli strike during the 12-day conflict, highlighting Israel’s extensive intelligence operations within Iran. Iranian officials reported that around 3,117 people had been killed during the protests that began in late December, which challenged the clerical regime but have since diminished amid a crackdown activists say resulted in thousands of deaths.
The Iranian foundation for martyrs and veterans distinguished between “martyrs”—comprising security personnel and innocent civilians—and “rioters” allegedly supported by the US. Out of the total casualties, 2,427 individuals were classified as martyrs.
