Hatami: Enemy Failed to Approach Iranian Coastlines in Both Wars

Speaking at a ceremony at the Imam Ali Officers’ Academy honoring families of fallen soldiers, Hatami said Iran had been engaged in a defensive war and successfully disrupted what he described as the enemy’s strategic objectives.

He emphasized the distinction in military doctrine between offensive and defensive warfare, noting that Iran’s forces were solely focused on repelling aggression and protecting national territory.

According to Hatami, Iran was targeted during periods of diplomatic negotiations, claiming that in both instances “the country was attacked in the middle of talks.”

He referred to two recent conflicts involving Iran and joint US-Israeli military action, stating that the first lasted 12 days beginning June 13 last year, while the second extended for 40 days starting February 28 this year. He added that in both cases, Iranian forces compelled a ceasefire.

Hatami said the adversary had aimed to force political capitulation and destabilize the Islamic Republic, but failed to achieve any of its objectives.

He further stated that Iranian Army ground and naval forces, alongside the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), were deployed across the Persian Gulf and Sea of Oman, preventing enemy access to Iranian coastal areas.

“Not a single inch of our territory was lost,” he said, adding that Iran emerged from the conflicts stronger, while the opposing side suffered a strategic and political defeat.