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Rezaei’s Non-Retreat Message
Mohsen Rezaei, newly appointed secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, said Iran is going through one of the most sensitive and decisive phases in its contemporary history amid a significant rise in regional and international tensions.
“He stressed that the Islamic Republic would not give up its national rights in the face of any threat”
In a message following his appointment, Rezaei thanked Ayatollah Seyed Mojtaba Khamenei for his trust and attention and said the Islamic Republic would not give up its national rights in the face of any threat.
Rezaei said decisions in this field must henceforth be made “stronger than before,” based on an accurate understanding of the situation as well as prudence and courage.
He added that the objective is to ensure Iran emerges from the period “safer, more cohesive, more powerful and with greater capacities for progress and development.”
Deterrence and Swift Response
On foreign policy and national security, Rezaei said Iran’s approach would be based on strengthening deterrence, resisting the bullying of adversaries, and delivering an “immediate and decisive response” to any aggression.
He also said Iran would maximize national welfare and Iran’s interests at the regional and international levels, utilizing diplomatic capacities, pursuing strong engagement, and maintaining the country’s readiness to confront any threat.
Rezaei stressed the strategic necessity of national unity and solidarity between the Iranian people and officials, saying Iran needs trust, stronger cohesion and unity, as well as prudence, more than anything else to pass through a historic and proud period.
In Lebanon’s Al-Manar TV report, Rezaei reiterated that Iran will not back down from defending its national rights and interests in the face of threats, and said decisions will have to be made from a stronger position compared to the past using past experiences and field studies.
Regional Role and Unity
Rezaei said his goal is to ensure that Iran continues, more than before, to serve as a factor of “stability, power, confidence and tranquility” in the region.
“serve as a factor of “stability, power, confidence and tranquility” in the region”
He framed the message as part of a commitment to defending national sovereignty and taking all measures necessary to protect the country’s security.
In the Al-Manar TV account, Rezaei said “the goal is not to only leave behind this sensitive situation but it is that Iran will have to pass this stage safer, more united and more powerful.”
The reports also described the Supreme National Security Council of Iran as the highest political and military body responsible for determining Iran’s defense and national security policies, issuing orientations in critical crises.