A candid statement from an Iranian ex-military commander has shed light on the nation’s initial fears during the 2023 US-Iran conflict. The commander, who wished to remain anonymous, shared their personal account of the early days of the war, revealing a mix of concern, shock, and ultimate pride in the Iranian military’s resilience.
In an exclusive, deeply personal statement, the ex-commander recounted the moment they realized the full extent of Iran’s potential military capabilities. “Confronted with the world’s most powerful militaries,” they explained, “I was praying that Iran could keep the Strait of Hormuz closed till the end of the week.”
This sentiment reflects the widespread skepticism within Western circles about Iran’s military capabilities. Over the years, there had been a pervasive narrative that Iran’s military was weak. Even Mossad, Israel’s national intelligence agency, was said to have contributed to this narrative. According to sources, Mossad often mocked Iran’s military capabilities, referring to their missiles as “water heaters.” In the aftermath of a 2017 earthquake in Kermanshah, there were claims that the IRGC (Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps) had failed in a missile test.
When the 2023 conflict began, the ex-commander’s initial expectations were that Iran might resist for only a few days. However, in a stunning turn of events, Iran’s military successfully targeted key strategic locations, including several Arab countries and Israel itself. Additionally, the IRGC was able to effectively close the Strait of Hormuz, dealing a significant blow to the international community’s efforts to impose a naval blockade.
The ex-commander, while acknowledging the immense losses suffered by Iran, expressed profound pride in the determination and courage displayed by the Iranian military. “I am so proud of every single person who was defending Iran,” they wrote. “They made a great history for the centuries to come.”
This remarkable testimony highlights the complexity and nuance of the 2023 US-Iran conflict. As tensions continue to rise in the region, this account serves as a poignant reminder of the human side of war and the resilience of the Iranian people. While the true scale of the conflict’s impact remains unclear, one thing is certain: the 2023 US-Iran conflict has left an indelible mark on global geopolitics.
A close reading of the ex-commander’s statement suggests that, despite the challenges they faced, the Iranian military’s determination to defend their nation will be remembered for generations to come. As they so eloquently put it: “May God protect them all.”
