In a post on X on Friday, Baqaei recalled a passage from History of Beyhaqi, written by medieval historian Abolfazl Beyhaqi, describing attackers who mistakenly assumed they could easily seize a fortress, unaware that it was defended by “lions”.
They thought they had come to eat paludeh (a sweet dish in Iranian cuisine) and that it was an easy task, Baqaei quoted from the historical account.
Baqaei said the passage remained relevant amid current tensions and threats against Iran, arguing that the illusion of an easy victory should not be confused with success on the battlefield.
“Starting an aggression under the illusion of an easy victory does not mean victory,” he wrote, adding that misjudging a fortress “in which there are lions” would leave aggressors facing the shame of defeat.
