Iran Army Chief Major General Amir Hatami has said Iran emerged victorious from the recent conflict because its adversaries failed to achieve their military objectives. He said preventing an attacker from meeting its goals constitutes victory in a defensive war.
Speaking at a ceremony honouring 3,785 Army personnel killed in the conflict, Hatami outlined Iran’s interpretation of victory. He said an attacking side can claim victory only when it accomplishes its objectives.
Hatami said the same principle applies differently in a defensive war. According to his assessment, preventing the opposing side from achieving its goals is itself a victory for the defending country.
The Iran Army Chief Amir Hatami also referred to efforts by opposing forces to damage Iran’s missile and drone capabilities. He said Iranian armed forces continued striking targets until the final stages of the conflict.
His remarks reflect Tehran’s broader position that the recent conflict did not achieve the strategic objectives attributed to its adversaries. Iranian officials have repeatedly described the outcome as a failure for the opposing side.
The comments come as tensions between Iran and the United States remain high following months of conflict and economic pressure. Tehran has continued to stress its military readiness while maintaining that its forces can respond to further threats.
Hatami’s statement also places Iran’s missile and drone capabilities at the centre of its assessment of the conflict. His comments indicate that Tehran considers the continued use of those systems despite attacks on related capabilities as evidence supporting its claim of defensive success.
