Iran’s top military commanders issued a strong warning, emphasizing the leadership red line. They stated that any attack on the country’s leadership or sovereignty would provoke a global response. Brigadier General Abolfazl Shekarchi, spokesperson for the General Staff of the Armed Forces, dismissed recent threats from Washington as “mere noise” and added that the leadership red line is clear and non-negotiable. Shekarchi warned that if anyone extended a hand of aggression toward Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, the country would respond decisively. He declared, “We will cut that hand and set their world on fire.” Furthermore, he emphasized that no region would remain safe for those targeting Iran.
This statement follows provocative remarks from U.S. leaders suggesting changes in Iran’s leadership. In response, President Masoud Pezeshkian said any attack on Khamenei would amount to a full-scale war with the Iranian nation. Similarly, Iran’s parliamentary National Security and Foreign Policy Committee stated that assaulting the Leader equals declaring war against Islam itself. They also warned that such actions could mobilize fighters worldwide in defense of the leadership red line. Brigadier General Alireza Elhami, Commander of the Khatam al-Anbiya Air Defense Base, addressed domestic unrest. He described it as a “calculated hybrid war” orchestrated by foreign powers. According to Elhami, they used media and technology to weaken Iran socially and mentally. Shekarchi added that the unrest targeted the domestic economy and aimed to create instability.
Despite these challenges, the commanders praised the loyalty of Iran’s merchants and guilds. They resisted participating in the engineered unrest. The military also highlighted the heavy sacrifices made for national security. Most casualties, they noted, were innocent citizens attacked by foreign-backed terrorists. Moreover, the commanders emphasized the restraint shown by police and Basij forces, who often entered dangerous situations unarmed to protect civilians. Finally, the military leaders concluded that Iran’s national unity and strategic insight have countered foreign attempts to impose maximum pressure. They stated that resilience and cohesion continue to force adversaries into a strategic deadlock. This outcome reinforces the importance of the leadership red line.