Afghan Voice Agency (AVA) - Tehran: In a letter he sent to Imam Khamenei, the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, while offering condolences for the martyrdom of “the Mujahideen commanders, scientists, and innocent women and children” in the Zionist regime’s attacks, he appreciated the leadership’s trust in appointing him to this grave responsibility, and emphasized that the IRGC is fully prepared to “defend the Islamic Revolution, the noble nation of Iran, and avenge the blood of the martyrs.”
In part of his message, Pakpour stated: “The crime committed today by the Zionist terrorist regime in violating the national security and territorial integrity of the Islamic Republic will definitely not go unanswered. The criminal and illegitimate Zionist regime will suffer a bitter and painful fate with huge and destructive consequences.”
Citing the Leader’s promise, he announced that the armed forces of the Islamic Republic, including the army and the IRGC, are ready to respond to this attack with “powerful measures.”
He added at the end of his message: “Soon the gates of hell will be opened to this infanticidal regime.”
Major General Pakpour’s statements were published just hours after the Leader of the Islamic Revolution officially announced his appointment as Commander-in-Chief of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. This appointment followed the martyrdom of Lieutenant General Hossein Salami.
Imam Khamenei's official decree addressed to Pakpour states: "In view of the honorable and proud martyrdom of IRGC Lieutenant General Hossein Salami at the hands of the infamous Zionist regime, and in light of your merits and valuable experiences, I appoint you as Commander-in-Chief of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps with the rank of Major General."