Iranian General: The United States Has Forced Us

REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, TEHRAN – Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces, Major General Mousavi, met with Armenian Defence Minister Suren Papikyan in Tehran on Tuesday (25 February 2026). During the meeting, Mousavi explained the regional security situation and Iran’s stance towards the United States.

“We have never been the party to initiate any war, and our approach in the past has been to prevent the escalation of war and reduce casualties. However, the actions of the United States have forced us to change our approach. If they make a mistake this time, we will inflict heavy losses on the enemy. Our nation and armed forces are determined to stand against the hegemonic system until the end,” Mousavi said, as quoted by the Iranian news agency, IRNA.

Mousavi said that the presence of extra-regional forces is contrary to the interests of the people of the region and is a cause of instability and insecurity. Referring to the malicious intentions of extra-regional forces in the region, Mousavi said that the world is transitioning away from a unipolar system and unilateralism. The United States cannot tolerate this shift and is trying to impose its hegemony through illegitimate and illegal actions. However, the transition from a unipolar system is inevitable.

Regarding the meeting with the Armenian Defence Minister, Mousavi highlighted the long-standing friendly relations between Iran and Armenia. He affirmed that cooperation among countries in the region plays an important role in enhancing security and stability in the region.

Meanwhile, Iranian President Masoud Prezeshkian reaffirmed Iran’s commitment to expanding and deepening comprehensive relations with neighbouring countries, especially Armenia. He expressed Iran’s readiness to finalise the strategic document.