Iranian Armed Forces Chief Of Staff Gen. Mohammad Bagheri Delivers Speech While Soldiers Stand In Formation Over A Surface Emblazoned With The Inscription: "Israel Should Be Erased"

On September 25, 2023, Channel 1 (Iran) aired a speech delivered by IRGC General Mohammad Bagheri, who is the Chief of Staff of Iran's armed forces, at the Jamkaran Mosque in southern Tehran. General Bagheri delivered the speech while Iranian soldiers stood in formation over a surface emblazoned with the inscription "Israel should be erased" in Persian and in Hebrew. The speech was at a ceremony in which Iran's armed forces renewed their pledge of allegiance to the Hidden Imam.

Onscreen text: "Israel should be erased."

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General Mohammad Bagheri: "The rule of our master and leader, the Hidden Imam, is the rule of the righteous. But what is the meaning of waiting for [his reappearance]? It does not mean to sit still and just feel love for the Hidden Imam. This waiting finds meaning in belief, Jihadi action, relentless effort, altruism, self-sacrifice, and readiness. What kind of battle will be fought in honor [of the Hidden Imam]? According to the traditions, it will be a fierce battle with the arrogant plunderers, who will be armed to the teeth. This battle will require commanding and powerful armed forces, dedicated, strong, committed, and brave jihad-fighting soldiers."