Tehran: The commander of the Iranian army vowed a 'decisive response' on Monday to threats from what he called 'bullying' powers.

According to Anadolu Agency, Major General Abdolrahim Mousavi, in a message commemorating the eight-year Iran-Iraq war of the 1980s, stated that the Iranian Armed Forces are ready to deliver a timely and decisive response to any threats posed by global powers. Mousavi emphasized the reliance on strategic surprises devised by Iran to counter these threats.

The Iran-Iraq War, which lasted from September 1980 until August 1988, resulted in over a million deaths and significant economic damage to both Iran and Iraq. Mousavi highlighted that Iran 'will not remain passive' in the face of threats and is prepared to turn these challenges into opportunities to showcase Iran's power on both regional and international stages.

Mousavi referred to the US-Israeli attacks against Iran in June, noting that the 'enemy' failed to achieve its objectives during the 12-day conflict because of Iran's defensive and regional capabilities. On June 13, Israel initiated extensive airstrikes targeting various Iranian sites, including military, nuclear, and civilian locations, along with senior military commanders and nuclear scientists.

Iran responded by launching hundreds of ballistic missiles aimed at Israeli cities, resulting in at least 28 casualties and causing significant damage. The United States, a close ally of Israel, conducted its own strikes on June 22, focusing on Iran's nuclear facilities in Natanz, Fordo, and Isfahan. The conflict concluded on June 24, following a ceasefire brokered by the US.