Link: http://middleeastobserver.net/irgc-chief-on-ain-al-assad-missile-attack-accidental-downing-of-ukrainian-aircraft/

(Please consider supporting Middle East Observer’s work on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/MiddleEastObserver)

Description:

Head of Iran’s IRGC Major General Hossein Salami comments on the recent Iranian missile attack on US bases in Iraq, in addition to the subsequent accidental downing of a Ukrainian civilian aircraft by Iranian forces over Tehran.

Source: Al-Alam News

Date: 12-01-2020

Transcript:

– America assassinated General Qasim Soleimani, and it threatened to respond to our retaliation, the incident (accidental downing of
Ukrainian plane) occurred under (immense) pressure

– America was aiming to tie up the hands of the Iranian nation

– we had to respond quickly and powerfully to the American crime of General Soleimani’s assassination

– when we struck the US military base (Ain al-Assad) we weren’t only aiming for taking revenge

– till now we are still prepared – with all our capabilities – for war with America

– our aim was not to kill US soldiers in our attack on Ain al-Assad

– all the objectives of our missile attack were achieved, US was unable to stop our missiles

– US president denied existence of any losses, this is natural for someone who wishes to withdraw and back down from his previous stances

– our strikes on Ain al-Assad base revealed our military and tactical superiority

– the delay in announcing the reason for the crash of (Ukrainian) aircraft was due to need for investigating and studying incident from all angles

– we were and continue to strive to protect our citizens, I was wishing that I was on board the stricken aircraft

– throughout my whole life I have never felt as much embarrassment as I felt due to this error

– I give my pledge to the Iranian people that such an error will never occur again, and that we will work night & day to protect them