ISTANBUL 

The commander of the Iranian army vowed a “decisive response” on Monday to threats from what he called “bullying” powers.

“The Armed Forces are prepared to give a timely, decisive, regret-inducing, and unfathomable response to any threats by global bullying power and oppressors through relying on own devised strategic surprises,” the state-run Press TV quoted Major General Abdolrahim Mousavi as saying in a message commemorating the eight-year Iran-Iraq war of the 1980s.

The Iran-Iraq War, one of the 20th century’s longest conflicts, began in September 1980 and ended in August 1988, leaving more than a million dead and causing severe damage to both countries’ economies.

Iran “will not remain passive” in the face of threats, Mousavi said, vowing to turn every threat into “an opportunity to display Iran’s power in the regional and international scene.”

Referring to US-Israeli attacks against Iran in June, Mousavi said the “enemy” failed to achieve its objectives during the 12-day war due to Iran’s defensive capabilities, regional capabilities, and the proportional response of its forces.

On June 13, Israel launched sweeping airstrikes targeting Iran’s military, nuclear, and civilian sites, as well as senior military commanders and nuclear scientists.

Iran retaliated with hundreds of ballistic missiles aimed at Israeli cities, killing at least 28 people and causing extensive damage.

The US, a staunch ally of Israel, followed with its own strikes on June 22, targeting Iran’s nuclear facilities in Natanz, Fordo and Isfahan. The conflict ended on June 24, following a US-brokered ceasefire.