Speaking during a visit to Iran’s public broadcaster, IRIB, General Mousavi said the armed forces had focused on deterrence and acted to “deter and punish” the adversary in the recent confrontation.
“To date we have pursued deterrence and imposed costs on the enemy. From this point forward, should aggression recur, the next phase of our response will be aimed at inflicting serious hardship on the aggressor,” he said.
General Mousavi commended IRIB staff for maintaining broadcasts and bolstering public morale amid attacks, describing the media’s work as closely aligned with military needs and vital to national resilience.
IRIB president Peyman Jebelli joined General Mousavi in praising public participation during the conflict and highlighted the broadcaster’s uninterrupted programming despite direct threats.
General Mousavi stressed that Iran’s doctrine remains defensive and that the country does not seek to initiate war, but asserted readiness to respond decisively to any future aggression, underlining the armed forces’ reliance on public solidarity and the Leader’s guidance.
