Iran’s top commander warns renewed aggression will draw a “much stronger” response as he inspects expanded drone manufacturing

Major General Ali Abdollahi, identified as chief of the General Staff of Iran’s armed forces and commander of the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, warned during a visit to military production facilities that any renewed aggression against Iran would be met with a much stronger and more forceful response. He inspected the expansion of the Army’s drone manufacturing capabilities and praised the armed forces’ readiness, motivation and capacity for innovation.

Drawing on what he described as lessons from two recent wars imposed by the United States and Israel, Abdollahi said Iran was fully equipped to respond to future aggression. He emphasized the strategic importance of asymmetric warfare, saying Iran could counter technologically advanced adversaries and offset the advantages of expensive, sophisticated weapons with a broad range of more affordable and effective systems. Such systems, he said, could make military operations far more costly and difficult for enemies.

Abdollahi reaffirmed the armed forces’ commitment to self-sufficiency and national defense, saying they remained steadfast in protecting Iran’s territory and revolutionary values against any threat. He also said the resolve of the Iranian public and military had strengthened despite enemy actions.

The post described the two conflicts as illegal wars waged by the United States and Israel against Iran: a 12-day war in June 2025 and a 40-day aggression that began on February 28, 2026. It said both ended after Iran’s retaliatory operations forced the aggressors to accept a ceasefire.