US, Israel failed to degrade Iran’s nuclear, missile, air defense capabilities: Army chief

Hatami made the remarks in a meeting with a number of Iranian commanders, pilots and forces during a visit to Army units in the cities of Isfahan, Tabriz and Hamadan.

"The enemy intended to completely eliminate the nuclear capability of Islamic Iran, but it failed because the nuclear capability is an indigenous science and technology and it is impossible to destroy it,” he said.

During the 12-day war, he added, the enemy also failed to destroy Iran’s missile power as the country succeeded in bringing the enemy to its knees and targeting goals in the occupied Palestinian territories with missiles.

“In the final days of the war, we also carried out more powerful strikes that posed a challenge to the enemy's missile shield,” Hatami emphasized.

The Army chief further explained that the enemy also failed to destroy Iran’s defensive power and capability, as the country’s defense forces continue to play their active role.

He said the enemy intended to harm the Islamic establishment and national unity, but it made a miscalculation and sustained a major defeat because the Iranian people remained steadfast in defending the country.

Hatami stressed the need to maintain the country’s preparedness and strengthen its power as the enemy proved its evil nature during the recent war and showed that it does not refrain from committing any crime.

His remarks came after the 12-day war that erupted on June 13, when Zionist regime launched an unprovoked act of aggression, assassinating senior commanders, nuclear scientists, and killing hundreds of civilians. The United States also joined the war by bombing three Iranian nuclear sites in a clear violation of international law.

On June 24, Iran, through its successful retaliatory operations against both the Zionist regime and the US, managed to impose a halt to the terrorist aggression.

On Thursday, Major General Ali Abdollahi, newly appointed commander of the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, said Iran's Armed Forces are now “more prepared” and possess enhanced capabilities following the recent 12-day war with Israel and the US.