Iran's General Ahadi Claims Victory Over US-Israeli Hybrid Warfare

Tehran, Iran Jul 22, 2026 ALN: TEHRAN - A senior Iranian military official stated that the United States and Israel failed to achieve their objectives through “hybrid warfare” and subversive activities against the Islamic Republic. This assertion was made by Brigadier General Mohammad Ahadi, the Chief of Defense Diplomacy and International Relations of the Iranian Armed Forces, during a reception at the Chinese Embassy in Tehran. The event marked the 99th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA), which is significant not only for China but also for countries like Iran that seek to forge strategic alliances against perceived Western hegemony.

General Ahadi's remarks come in the context of escalating tensions between Iran and the United States, as well as Israel, particularly following a series of confrontations that have underscored the ongoing conflict in the region. He stated, “Last year, through a hybrid war of military action and terrorism, they [the US and Israel] sought to impose their will on the Iranian nation by assassinating commanders, scientists, and civilians—but they hit an iron wall, failed to achieve their objectives, and requested a ceasefire after just 12 days.” This statement reflects Iran's narrative of resilience and defiance against foreign aggression, which has been a cornerstone of its national identity since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

The 12-day war mentioned by General Ahadi began on June 13, 2025, following what Iran describes as unprovoked aggression by Israeli forces targeting senior Iranian defense officials, nuclear scientists, and critical infrastructure. This period marked an escalation in the long-standing tensions between Iran and Israel, with Iran accusing Israel of attempting to undermine its sovereignty through targeted assassinations and military strikes. As Iranian forces mounted a robust defensive counteroffensive, the United States entered the conflict directly on June 22, aiming to bolster the assault. This intervention highlighted the extent of US involvement in the region and its willingness to support its ally, Israel, in military endeavors.

In response to the coalition's aggression, Iran executed precision strikes against Israeli targets and the US Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar on June 23. This military response demonstrated Iran's capabilities in terms of sovereign defense and its determination to protect its national interests. The effectiveness of these strikes compelled the United States and Israel to request a ceasefire on June 24, which marked a significant moment in the conflict, showcasing Iran's ability to withstand external pressure and military assaults.

General Ahadi then pointed to the joint war the United States and Israel launched against Iran on February 28, following their aggression in the previous year. He characterized this ongoing conflict as part of a broader pattern of hostility, stating, “However, they did not set aside their malevolence.” This comment reflects the Iranian perspective that the US and Israel are engaged in a continuous campaign to destabilize Iran through various means, including military action and covert operations.

In January of this year, protests erupted in Iran over economic conditions, which later escalated into violent riots. The Iranian government has consistently claimed that the United States and Israel were behind the unrest, seeking to exploit economic pressures to destabilize the country. Iranian officials have pointed to statements made by former President Donald Trump regarding the transfer of weapons into Iran as evidence of foreign involvement in efforts to incite violence and orchestrate a covert coup attempt. This narrative serves to galvanize national unity and portray the government as a bulwark against foreign interference.

General Ahadi elaborated on the government's stance, stating, “They assumed that by launching a massive military and terrorist attack, they could link it to domestic discontent—the main culprit of which is the United States and its cowardly sanctions—and achieve their sinister goal of bringing about the collapse of Iran. But as you can see, they yielded no results from this measure either.” This framing of the protests as being manipulated by foreign powers resonates with many Iranians who view the United States as a historical adversary, particularly in light of the economic sanctions that have severely impacted the Iranian economy.

Additionally, General Ahadi referred to the assassination of Iran’s Leader, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, on the first day of the US-Israeli aggression on February 28. He claimed that the Leader’s martyrdom “strengthened the resolve” of the Iranian nation, suggesting that such acts of aggression ultimately bolster national unity and resistance. The rhetoric surrounding this event is significant, as it portrays the Iranian leadership as resilient and steadfast in the face of adversity, reinforcing the narrative of martyrdom that is central to Iranian revolutionary ideology.

General Ahadi also highlighted the growing ties between Iran and China, commending the efforts of the Chinese government and the initiatives it has presented for global and regional security. This acknowledgment of China’s role in Iran's geopolitical strategy underscores a broader trend of increasing alignment between non-Western powers, particularly in response to Western interventions. The strengthening of Iran-China relations is seen as crucial for both countries as they navigate the complexities of international diplomacy and economic pressures.

The Iranian commander extended congratulations to the Chinese government and people on the 99th anniversary of the founding of the PLA, indicating a desire for continued collaboration and partnership in military and defense matters.

The core theme of General Ahadi's remarks underscores the central pillar of Iran's defense doctrine: the premise that hybrid warfare, foreign military intervention, and covert regime-change operations cannot compromise a sovereign nation's defensive resolve. This narrative is further reinforced by Beijing's explicit condemnation of US and Israeli aggression against Iran, which Chinese diplomatic leadership has denounced as a grave violation of state sovereignty, international law, and the fundamental principles of the UN Charter. Together, Tehran's insistence on domestic military resilience and China's diplomatic opposition to unilateral Western intervention reflect a shifting geopolitical reality—one where strategic alignment among non-Western powers increasingly acts as a structural counterweight to foreign pressure and regime-change campaigns.

This evolving landscape not only poses challenges for the US and its allies but also raises questions about the future of international relations in a multipolar world. As Iran continues to assert its sovereignty and cultivate alliances, the implications for regional stability, security dynamics, and global diplomatic relations will be profound. The intersection of military strategy, economic sanctions, and international diplomacy will likely shape the trajectory of Iran's interactions with both Western and non-Western powers in the coming years.