Lead

Iranian military and political leaders have reaffirmed the country's preparedness to respond to any aggression, following a series of US strikes and diplomatic maneuvers. In a meeting with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Army Commander Amir Hatami declared that the army is "fully prepared to deliver a decisive and proportional response to any threat, aggression, or provocation against the country," according to the presidential press office. President Pezeshkian, for his part, pledged the government's comprehensive support for the armed forces, including efforts to modernize equipment and enhance deterrence capabilities.

Coverage Comparison

Al Jazeera reported that President Pezeshkian praised the country's military capabilities after the US carried out what it described as 'self-defence' strikes in southern Iran. Tehran condemned the attacks as a "gross violation" of the ceasefire, a position also reflected in TASS reports that frame the situation as US aggression.

TASS, the Russian state news agency, provided extensive coverage of the military statements, emphasizing Iran's readiness for any scenario. In a May 18 report, Foreign Ministry Spokesman Esmail Baghaei stated, "We are fully prepared for any contingency. We will respond with full strength to any reckless actions by aggressors... Rest assured, we will also present new surprises to our adversaries." The same report outlined the timeline of the conflict, noting that hostilities escalated on February 28, and that US President Donald Trump announced a two-week mutual ceasefire on April 7.

TASS also covered the government's support for the armed forces, quoting President Pezeshkian during a meeting with Commander Hatami on May 21. The president emphasized the government's commitment to "strengthen defense capabilities, improve logistical support [for the Iranian army], modernize weapons and operational infrastructure, and enhance deterrence capabilities." Additionally, a May 25 report cited Ali Abdollahi, commander of the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, as saying that the process of upgrading military equipment to meet modern standards continues uninterrupted.

Key Claims

  • Iranian Army Commander Amir Hatami said the army is fully prepared to respond to any aggression, promising a "decisive and proportional response" to threats.
  • President Masoud Pezeshkian praised the military's capabilities and pledged government support for modernization and logistical improvements.
  • Foreign Ministry Spokesman Esmail Baghaei warned of "new surprises" for adversaries, affirming readiness for any scenario.
  • Military spokesman Mohammad Akraminia threatened to open "new fronts" and employ new methods of warfare if the US and Israel launch further attacks.
  • The US conducted strikes in southern Iran, which Tehran condemned as a "gross violation" of the ceasefire.
  • On May 18, US President Donald Trump announced he had canceled a new US strike planned for May 19, at the request of Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE.
  • The conflict escalated on February 28, followed by a US-announced two-week mutual ceasefire on April 7.

Perspectives

Iranian Government and Military: Officials, including President Pezeshkian, Army Commander Hatami, and Foreign Ministry Spokesman Baghaei, maintain that Iran is fully prepared to defend itself and respond decisively to any aggression. They emphasize ongoing efforts to modernize military equipment and enhance deterrence, while warning of "new surprises" if attacked.

US Administration: President Donald Trump, as reported by TASS, stated that he canceled a planned strike on Iran on May 19 at the request of Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, which believe an agreement with Tehran on abandoning nuclear weapons can still be reached. Trump had earlier announced a two-week mutual ceasefire on April 7, and later expressed his intention to extend it.