Tehran: First Vice President Mohammad-Reza Aref says all Iranian people and groups, including the opposition, maintained unity in the face of the latest Israeli war of aggression, emphasizing the necessity of preserving that national cohesion. Aref made the remarks on Sunday while he toured the headquarters of the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA) in Tehran.

According to Islamic Republic News Agency, Aref stated that the enemies of Iran expected that the aggression would result in the collapse of the system. However, the Iranian people defended their homeland with strength despite facing problems and issues. He clarified that the Iranian people’s complaints signify internal differences rather than opposition to the Islamic system, highlighting that the unity and cohesion among the people were the most significant outcomes of the 12-day war of aggression against Iran.

Aref also acknowledged the support from opposition groups during the aggression, suggesting that the measures and policies adopted over the past four decades to maintain national unity require revision. He noted that the enemies have been attempting indirect plots against Iran since the victory of the Islamic Revolution in 1979, and during the recent aggression, they launched a direct attack on the Iranian nation. Despite the ceasefire that came into effect on June 24, Aref warned that the Israeli regime has a history of violating its commitments.

The conflict began when Israel initiated an unprovoked war of aggression against Iran on June 13, resulting in over 600 deaths, including high-profile military commanders, scientists, and civilians. In response, the Iranian Armed Forces inflicted significant damage on areas across the occupied territories.

The situation escalated on June 22 when the United States, in coordination with Israel, attacked three Iranian nuclear sites, violating international law and prompting global condemnations. The U.S.-Israeli aggression persisted for 12 days until it ended with a ceasefire agreement.