Iran’s top military commander has questioned Israel’s commitment to the recently agreed ceasefire that brought an end to 12 days of intense hostilities between the two nations earlier this month.
Speaking in a televised address on Sunday, Major General Abdolrahim Mousavi, Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces, expressed serious doubts over what he described as Israel’s readiness to abide by the terms of the truce.
“We did not initiate the war, but we have responded with full force,” Mousavi said. “Given our deep suspicions about the enemy’s commitment to the ceasefire, we are fully prepared to respond decisively if aggression resumes.”
The ceasefire, which was brokered last Tuesday by U.S. President Donald Trump, temporarily halted the escalation of violence that had left dozens dead and many others injured.
Among the most tragic episodes of the conflict was an Israeli airstrike on Tehran’s Evin prison, which resulted in the deaths of at least 71 inmates, according to Iranian judicial authorities. The bombing left much of the facility in ruins and drew global condemnation.
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Despite the ceasefire, tensions between the two longtime adversaries remain high.
Both Tehran and Tel Aviv have continued to trade accusations of ceasefire violations and instigation.
Observers have raised concerns that the fragile truce could unravel at any moment if diplomatic efforts fail to de-escalate the situation further.