Tehran: The Iranian Army has warned that it will respond with an even harsher and more crushing blow to any possible aggression. In a statement issued on Monday to mark the anniversary of Operation Mersad, the Army said the operation remains a symbol of Iran's strength, resilience, and the determination of the country's armed forces to defend the nation. According to Islamic Republic News Agency, the Army described the fifth day of the Iranian month of Mordad as one of the 'golden pages' in the history of Iran's resistance. It emphasized that the Army and the Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic are always prepared to confront 'the ruthless enemy and the mercenaries and hirelings of global arrogance' and 'will cut off the feet of any aggressor that steps on even an atom of the homeland's soil.' On July 26, 1988, the terrorist group Mujahadeen-e-Khalq (MEK, MKO), with the support of the Iraqi military, started their Operation Forough Javidan (Eternal Light) in central Iran. The Iranian army launched its coun ter-attack, Operation Mersad (Ambush), which became the last major military operation of the Iraq-Iran War, ending in a decisive victory for Iran. The Army's statement highlighted that Operation Mersad reflected the Iranian nation's resolve to confront enemy aggression and represented one of the greatest displays of unity between the people and the armed forces during the Sacred Defense. It credited the operation's success to the 'wise strategy' of the martyred Lieutenant General Ali Sayyad Shirazi, whose military planning and command resulted in what it described as a decisive victory over the invading forces. Referring to the 12-Day War, the Ramadan War, and the Battle of Hormuz, the Army stated that the Iranian armed forces had once again demonstrated their indigenous power, national resolve, and faith. The Army of the Islamic Republic of Iran emphasized that 'it will not show the slightest negligence in safeguarding the independence and territorial integrity of the Islamic homeland and will answer the e nemies' aggressions with even more severe and crushing attacks,' the statement added.