IRANIAN TOP GENERAL QUESTIONS ISRAEL’S CEASEFIRE COMMITMENT, WARNS OF STRONG RESPONSE

TEHRAN|| June 29:  Iran’s top military commander has expressed serious doubts about Israel’s adherence to the recently declared unilateral ceasefire and warned that Tehran is fully prepared to respond if aggression resumes.

Major General Abdolrahim Mousavi, Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces, made the statement during a phone conversation on Sunday with Saudi Arabia’s Defense Minister, Prince Khalid bin Salman. The discussion focused on the aftermath of the 12-day Iran-Israel conflict, as well as broader regional and bilateral issues.

“We did not initiate the war, but we responded to the aggressor with all our might,” said General Mousavi. “Since we have real doubts about the enemy’s adherence to its commitments, including the ceasefire, we are prepared to give it a strong response if it repeats the aggression.”

Israel unilaterally halted its military operations against Iran last Tuesday after U.S. President Donald Trump declared a ceasefire. Former White House advisor Steve Bannon later stated in an interview that the truce was necessary to “save” Israel, suggesting that Tel Aviv had overextended itself in a conflict that exceeded its military capacity.

“That’s the hidden story here,” Bannon said. “They bit off way more than they could chew.” The intense Iranian retaliatory strikes, which penetrated Israel’s sophisticated air defense systems, proved to be effective.

According to Iranian officials, the war began on June 13 when Israel launched attacks targeting Iranian military commanders, nuclear scientists, and civilians. In retaliation, Iran responded with a barrage of advanced missiles that struck key Israeli military and industrial infrastructure.

General Mousavi condemned the joint actions of Israel and the United States during the conflict, accusing them of violating international norms by invading Iranian territory while indirect negotiations were underway.

“These two regimes have shown that they do not adhere to any international rules and norms, and this was proven to the world in the imposed 12-day war,” he stated.

Prince Khalid, in the same phone call, reiterated Saudi Arabia’s condemnation of the aggression and highlighted the Kingdom’s efforts to end the war. According to Iran’s official news agency, IRNA, he also expressed his condolences for the Iranian commanders who lost their lives in the conflict.

Both sides agreed to continue consultations aimed at strengthening bilateral ties and fostering peace and stability in the region. They emphasized the vital roles that Iran and Saudi Arabia play in achieving lasting security in the Middle East.