Iran’s top military chief on Sunday thanked Pakistan for standing by Tehran during its recent 12-day conflict with Israel — a confrontation Iran calls an “unprovoked act of aggression” backed by the West.
Major General Abdolrahim Mousavi, Chief of Staff of Iran’s Armed Forces, made the remarks during a phone call with Pakistan’s Army Chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, according to Iran’s state media outlet IRNA.
The military clash, which erupted on June 13, saw Israel launch targeted airstrikes deep inside Iran, killing several senior Iranian commanders and nuclear scientists. Iran quickly retaliated with ballistic missiles and drone attacks on Israeli cities, claiming to have dealt significant damage to strategic Israeli positions.
Read More: Trump eyes $30B aid and sanctions relief in possible Iran deal
Mousavi thanked Pakistan for its steadfast support during the call, commending Islamabad’s stance of principle and solidarity amid what he termed a “12-day imposed war.” The Iranian commander claimed Iran effectively retaliated with precise revenge attacks despite great losses — 627 civilians killed and the martyrdom of top military leaders — compelling Israel to accept a ceasefire.
“The United States wasn’t just an observer — it fully mobilized its military power to defend the Zionist regime,” Mousavi stated, criticizing Western powers for providing both verbal and material support to Israel during the conflict.
The timing of the war was especially tense, coming just days before planned nuclear talks between Iran and the U.S. Those negotiations are now in disarray. Following Israel’s initial attacks, the U.S. joined in, striking Iranian nuclear facilities in Fordow, Isfahan, and Natanz with bunker-busting bombs.
Also Read: COAS Asim Munir helped avert nuclear conflict with India: Trump
Tehran maintains it has no ambition to develop nuclear weapons, insisting its program is strictly for civilian use. However, the bombing campaign and subsequent U.S. involvement have deepened mistrust between Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
Iranian lawmakers this week voted to suspend cooperation with the IAEA, accusing its chief, Rafael Grossi, of failing to condemn the strikes. Iran has also denied the agency access to inspect its bombed nuclear facilities, further straining the already fragile relationship.
