Iran’s Mehr News Agency quoted Hatami, on the sidelines of a meeting of Air Force commanders, officers, and staff with the Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces on Sunday, marking Iranian Air Force Day, as saying that the Air Force has continued to develop its capabilities and carried out its duties “efficiently and enthusiastically” during the “imposed war,” benefiting from accumulated experience to enhance its readiness in line with current challenges.
The Iranian Army commander stressed the importance of learning from past experiences, noting that the Air Force has achieved a level of preparedness that matches the nature of present threats.
Speaking about the U.S. military presence in the region, Major General Hatami described the presence of American ships as “not new,” pointing out that such a presence has been repeated since the victory of the Islamic Revolution in Iran.
Addressing “enemies,” he said that the Air Force would play a pivotal role in any possible response if a “new mistake” were committed, emphasizing that the army’s duty is to maintain readiness and monitor all hostile movements.
He also stressed the need to continue steadfastness to preserve the country’s independence and territorial unity.
