Iran’s top military officials express willingness to cooperate with the Pezeshkian government

Iran’s top military commander has expressed the armed forces’ readiness to cooperate and interact with the government of President-elect Masoud Pezeshkian following his victory in the runoff election.

The statement was made by Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces, Major General Mohammad Baqeri, in a message on Sunday congratulating Pezeshkian after the veteran parliamentarian and heart surgeon emerged victorious in the second round of the presidential elections on July 5.

Pezeshkian received more than 16 million votes, more than 13 million of the more than 30 million cast by former nuclear negotiator Saeed Jalili. Voter turnout was nearly 50 percent.

In a message, Baqeri praised the high Iranian voter turnout as “exhilarating” and described the election as an important factor in strengthening national unity and protecting the country’s independence and security against hostile plans of the enemies.

“As in the past, we announce the readiness of the Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran to cooperate and interact with the 14th government,” the general said.

“I hope that by further strengthening the defense capabilities of the armed forces, we will take a big step in building the authority, deterrence, security and defense of the sacred ideals of the Islamic Republic and our Holy Land,” he added.

Pezeshkian’s new government, the 14th since the victory of the Islamic Revolution in 1979, will remain in office for four years and is expected to be sworn in at the end of July.

Iranian army “ready” to cooperate with new government

In a separate message on Sunday, Iranian Army Commander-in-Chief Major General Abdolrahim Mousavi praised the “passionate” attendance of Iranian voters at the polls as he congratulated Pezeshkian on his victory in the presidential election.

Mousavi expressed that the Army of the Islamic Republic of Iran is ready to cooperate with the elected Iranian president and his government and to use “the comprehensive and valuable capabilities” of the armed forces for the success of the 14th government.

Defense Minister congratulates Pezeshkian

Meanwhile, Iranian Defense Minister Brigadier General Mohammad Reza Ashtiani conveyed his congratulations to the President-elect and wished him success in carrying out his duties as President during his term in office.

“I hereby declare the readiness of the scientists and soldiers in the field of defense and science and technology in the Ministry of Defense to fully cooperate (with the new government) and to protect the achievements of the Islamic Republic of Iran,” Ashtiani said.

The Iranian Defense Minister also hoped that the new government would take effective steps to improve the country’s prosperity and well-being.