Speaking at a ceremony marking World Post Day on Thursday, Aref said the 12-day war created “national solidarity and social capital” for Iran.
“We are not warmongers and have never started a war, but today the enemy has learned that if it attacks, it must plead for a truce and send messages,” he said.
Aref added that during a meeting with the UN secretary-general in a foreign country, the latter admitted that with the 12-day war, the case for the collapse of Iran’s system and government was closed.
He said Iran’s enemies had sought to destroy the Islamic Republic since the 1979 Revolution but had failed, as every confrontation had only strengthened the system’s stability and unity.
“Our situation today is much stronger and more cohesive than four months ago, before the 12-day defense,” Aref said, stressing that while Iran does not seek confrontation, it is fully prepared.
He added that Iran’s missile capabilities, developed under sanctions, had given “a firm response to the Zionist regime” during the war.
IRNA