During the ceremony, tributes were paid to senior commanders of the Sacred Defense era, including Major General Hassani Saadi, and a posthumous diploma was presented to the family of Colonel Alireza Boostanafrooz, an air defense officer martyred during the recent Israeli assault on Tehran.
Addressing the students, Hatami said: “You are entering a path of strategic military education and joining the ranks of Iran’s defense elite. Your responsibility in safeguarding the nation and the Islamic Revolution is heavier than ever.”
He highlighted Iran’s strategic position in the region and the world, noting that defending its territorial integrity and independence is more complex than for most nations. He added: “Iran is a proud nation with vast resources. These strengths make the mission of its soldiers even more critical.”
Hatami recalled the 1979 revolution, when Iranians demanded independence, freedom, and the establishment of the Islamic Republic, ending foreign interference and exploitation. He stressed that despite ongoing hostility, the nation remains committed to the ideals and sacrifices of its martyrs.
Reflecting on historical injustices, Hatami cited the global wars and the eight-year conflict with Saddam Hussein, during which both Eastern and Western powers supported aggression against Iran. He said:
“Iran’s strategic location has repeatedly made it a target. A glance at history is enough to expose the lies of our enemies.”
He urged the army to extract long-term lessons from the recent 12-day war: “We are transitioning beyond single-force operations and even joint operations. We are entering the era of hybrid warfare and cognitive domain focus. Though the war lasted only 12 days, its lessons must be studied as if it spanned 12 years.”
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