Targeting Natural Resources Constitutes a Terrorist Act Against Ecological Security

Mr. Gholamreza Nouri later attended a memorial ceremony honoring the Organization’s fallen personnel, held in the presence of the family of Brigadier General Martyr Majid Zekriyaei, former Commander of the Natural Resources Protection Unit.

Addressing the ceremony, the Minister stated that human life is finite, but sacrificing one’s life in service to the homeland represents an enduring legacy of honor and devotion.

He further noted that the sacrifice of martyrs strengthens national solidarity and unity, adding that throughout history, the Iranian nation has consistently sought peace and friendship with all nations. However, he emphasized that Iran will firmly defend its sovereignty against any aggression.

Referring to the enemy’s earlier predictions regarding Iran’s collapse within days, Mr. Nouri stated that such assumptions proved entirely false, as the resilience of the armed forces and the support of the Iranian people ultimately compelled the aggressors to seek a ceasefire.

The Minister also praised the awareness and solidarity demonstrated by the Iranian people during recent developments, describing it as a clear manifestation of national unity and resilience.

He further noted that during his recent overland visit to Turkey, officials there indicated that preparations had been made to receive Iranian citizens in the event of conflict. However, not only did no Iranians seek refuge abroad, but many returned to Iran—an indication, he said, of the Iranian people’s deep sense of national commitment.

Mr. Nouri also conveyed condolences from Masoud Pezeshkian to the families of those martyred in the attack on the Organization.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, marking National Girls’ Day, the Minister presented a commemorative plaque to the daughter of Brigadier General Martyr Majid Zekriyaei.

Head of Natural Resources Organization: Martyr Zekriyaei Was a Courageous Commander

During the Minister’s meeting with the family of Martyr Zekriyaei, Mr. Reza Aflatooni, Deputy Minister and Head of the Natural Resources and Watershed Management Organization, stated that he had known Martyr Zekriyaei for more than a decade and described him as a brave and dedicated commander in service of the nation’s natural resources.

Mr. Aflatooni emphasized that the Organization is entrusted with safeguarding the country’s natural assets and public environmental resources, noting that its personnel were civilian employees, not military forces. He described the attack as an act targeting the country’s food and ecological security.

He further stated that despite the destruction of several organizational facilities during the attack, operational activities continued without interruption. Through rapid reorganization and the appointment of new leadership for the Protection Unit, field protection missions, patrol operations, and round-the-clock monitoring have remained fully operational.

Mr. Aflatooni added that all personnel whose offices were damaged in the attack have been relocated to other facilities within the Organization and continue to provide services without disruption.