“We extend our congratulations and condolences on the honorable martyrdom of the sincere mujahid, Major General Gholam Reza Soleimani, the commander of the Basij Force, in the American-Zionist enemy’s terrorist attack, to the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, the noble people of Iran, the valiant Basij members, and the respected family of this dear martyr,” the statement read.

“This proud commander and great figure of Islam, throughout years of dedicated service from the 8-year Sacred Defense (in the 1980s) to the present, especially during his tenure as the commander of the Basij Force, played a strategic and unparalleled role in modernizing the popular and jihadi structure of the Basij, developing constructive movements, alleviating deprivation, and aiding the downtrodden and vulnerable segments of society,” the IRGC said.

It added that this cowardly assassination highlights the significance and role of the Basij in the comprehensive battlefield against the terrorist army of America and the Zionist regime and their mercenaries, especially in this ongoing war.

“We warn the wicked and terrorist murderers of this esteemed martyr that the Basij members will never abandon seeking retribution for the blood of the martyred Leader (Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei), martyred commanders, and all the people who have been martyred.”

The statement went on to say that, undoubtedly, the pure blood of these martyrs will double the will of the heroic Iranian nation and all devoted Basij members in continuing the path of resistance and struggle against global arrogance and international Zionism.