Iranian Army Chief vows to defend Iran's territory, independence until last breath

Pars Today – The Commander-in-Chief of the Iranian Army said the armed forces remain steadfast in their commitment to the Iranian people and will defend the Islamic Republic, Iran's territory, and its independence against aggressors until their last breath.

According to Pars Today, citing IRNA, the message issued by Major General Amir Hatami, Commander-in-Chief of the Iranian Army, reads as follows:

"The news of the martyrdom of Brigadier General Pilot Majid Kazemi, the courageous and distinguished Su-24 pilot of the Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force, has caused deep sorrow and grief, while at the same time filling us with pride for having such brave soldiers defending our homeland.

The Air Force has always been one of the most distinguished pillars of Iran's national defense—from its enduring acts of heroism during the eight years of the Sacred Defense to its demonstrated strength in the 12-day war and the Ramadan war, confronting heavily armed enemies who stopped at no crime. Yet Iran's skies have always been the stage for the bravery of men who have willingly sacrificed their lives to shield a proud nation that honors its martyrs."

He added that the Iranian Army remains faithful to its pledge to the Iranian people and will continue to defend the sacred Islamic Republic, Iran's homeland, and its independence against aggressors until its last breath.

The courageous operation in which Martyr Majid Kazemi attained the exalted status of martyrdom stands as a clear example of the unmatched capability of the Iranian Army Air Force under one of the most critical circumstances in Iran's history. It also reflects the extraordinary bravery of pilots who, driven by their love for a proud Islamic Iran and its noble people, remained focused solely on carrying out their vital mission against American enemy bases in the region, despite facing the most advanced air defense systems and intense enemy fire, so that Iran's name would once again be etched into history.

The Iranian Army Air Force is the true heir to the legacy of Iran's renowned martyrs, including Fakouri, Doran, Sattari, Babaei, Ardestani, Lashkari, and many other heroes of this distinguished force. They are the figures who transformed sacrifice and martyrdom into an enduring legacy for the defenders of Iran's skies.

On behalf of all my comrades in the proud Army of the Islamic Republic of Iran, I reaffirm that the Army remains steadfast in its pledge to the Iranian nation and will defend the sacred Islamic Republic, Iran's homeland, and its independence against aggressors until its last breath."

Brigadier General Majid Kazemi, the Iranian pilot, was one of the crew members of two Su-24 fighter aircraft that struck a U.S. military base in Qatar on the third day of the third imposed war (March 2, 2026). On the return flight over the Persian Gulf, his aircraft was hit by enemy air defense systems. His remains were returned to Iran on Wednesday after several months.