Iranian Leader Vows Militancy Will Survive After Assassination of IRGC Chief

Ayatollah Khamenei condemns US-Israeli strike on Iran, stresses armed forces’ resilience amid ongoing regional conflict

By Abdullahi Yusuf

Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Khamenei, Leader of the Islamic Revolution, has vowed that the recent assassination of Major General Majid Khademi will not weaken Iran’s military resolve. In a statement released on Monday, Khamenei extended condolences to the families and colleagues of the IRGC intelligence chief, describing his death as martyrdom in service to the nation.

“The American-Zionist enemy, having failed repeatedly in its ominous plots and imposed war on the Iranian nation, once again resorted to terrorism, assassinating a key commander in our intelligence and security community,” Khamenei said. He praised Khademi’s decades-long service across Iran’s security, intelligence, and defence sectors, noting the general’s unwavering commitment to national protection.

The Leader emphasised that the Iranian armed forces remain firm and undeterred. “The unbreakable ranks of those fighting in the path of truth in Islamic Iran are so deeply rooted that assassination and crime cannot shake their ideals,” he said.

The strike, carried out in Tehran, forms part of what Iran describes as ongoing US-Israeli aggression that began on February 28, which included targeted airstrikes killing several senior Iranian officials. In response, Iran has maintained daily missile and drone operations against Israeli-occupied territories and US military assets across the region.

Peace and stability analysts note that such attacks have historically served to intensify Iran’s asymmetric defence posture rather than diminish it. “These assassinations tend to harden the strategic resolve of Iran’s armed forces,” said one regional security expert. “They reinforce the country’s doctrine of rapid retaliation and deep defensive networks.”

The message from Khamenei comes amid heightened tensions in the Persian Gulf, with international observers warning that the risk of further escalation remains high. Iran’s armed forces, including the IRGC Navy and Aerospace Force, have repeatedly signalled that retaliation will continue in measured waves, targeting both military and strategic assets of the US and its regional allies.

With additional information from Press tv