ISTANBUL

Senior Iranian military commanders emphasized unity among the country’s armed forces and pledged to defend Iran “to the death” amid what they described as threats of a potential US attack.

Ali Jahanshahi, commander of the Iranian Army’s Ground Forces, said unity within the military is essential to confronting external threats, according to Iran’s Fars news agency.

“Unity among the armed forces is the key to thwarting enemies during crises,” Jahanshahi said. “The armed forces must act as a single body so that the enemy feels powerless when confronting them.”

He said the Army’s Ground Forces would stand alongside the Ground Forces of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps to defend Iran, stressing that no sacrifice would be spared in protecting the country’s territory.

In separate remarks, IRGC Ground Forces Commander Brig. Gen. Mohammad Karami echoed the emphasis on cohesion, saying unity among Iran’s armed forces has already foiled enemy plans.

“The existing synergy among the armed forces is a valuable asset that must be maintained and strengthened with seriousness,” Karami said.

The statements came as tensions escalated over fears in Israel that Iran could carry out a preemptive attack and concerns that Tehran may itself be targeted by a potential US military strike, Israel’s Channel 12 reported Friday. The report said the US has continued to build up its military presence in the region.

Pressure on Iran from the US and Israel has intensified since late December, when protests erupted across the country over worsening economic and living conditions.

Tehran has accused Washington of using sanctions, political pressure and unrest to create a pretext for military intervention and regime change.