Tehran: Rear Admiral Habibollah Sayyari, chief of staff and coordinating deputy of the Islamic Republic of Iran Army, has emphasized the crucial role of air defense as a cornerstone of the nation's defense capabilities and a vigilant protector of national security.

According to Islamic Republic News Agency, in a message commemorating Air Defense Day, Sayyari extended his congratulations to the chief commander, commanders, personnel, veterans of the air defense forces, and their families. He highlighted the significance of the occasion in honoring those who safeguard Iran's airspace. Sayyari stated, "Undoubtedly, air defense is one of the pillars of Iran's defensive power and a vigilant shield of national security; a force that, through round-the-clock presence and continuous monitoring of the airspace, protects sensitive and vital centers of the country and, in carrying out this sacred mission, never for a moment neglects vigilance and readiness."

Sayyari reflected on the achievements of Iran's air defense forces, attributing their success to the sacrifices made by personnel during the Iran-Iraq War. He recalled the "lasting epic" of the martyrs at the Soubashi air defense site and the relentless efforts of Martyr Major General Mansour Sattari, alongside thousands of other servicemen who defended the nation's airspace. He noted that the dedication shown during past conflicts continued into the subsequent wars, where servicemen prioritized duty over personal safety to protect Iran's territorial integrity.

Sayyari remarked, "[They] showed with their sacrifice that the soldiers of the homeland, at the moment of trial, fear no danger and, in the field of defending the homeland, put their lives on the line to honor their pledge." He concluded by paying tribute to the fallen air defense personnel and expressed his hopes for the continued success of the force in fulfilling its "critical and strategic" missions.