Iran’s Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces, Major General Abdolrahim Mousavi, has cast doubt on the sustainability of the current ceasefire between Iran and Israel, asserting that the Islamic Republic remains on high alert to counter any further aggression.

The remarks were made during a phone conversation with Saudi Arabia’s Defense Minister, Prince Khalid bin Salman, as reported by Iran’s state-run IRIB News Agency.

General Mousavi stated, "We doubt the durability of the ceasefire with the Zionist regime and are ready to respond to any aggression." He emphasized that Iran had exercised restraint before the recent hostilities but was forced to retaliate after what he described as a joint attack by Israel and the U.S. on Iranian territory.

"The aggression by the Zionist regime and the United States against Iranian territory took place despite Iran’s restraint and at a time when indirect negotiations with the U.S. were underway," Mousavi said, accusing both nations of disregarding international norms.

He further claimed that the actions of Israel and the U.S. during the 12-day conflict had exposed their unwillingness to adhere to diplomatic or legal standards. "We did not start the war, but we responded to the aggression with full force," he declared, warning that Tehran remains prepared to strike back if the ceasefire collapses.

In response, Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman reiterated Riyadh’s stance against the hostilities and highlighted the Kingdom’s diplomatic efforts to end the conflict.

According to IRIB, Prince Khalid stated that Saudi Arabia "has not merely condemned the aggressions but has made great efforts to end the war and the attacks." He also extended condolences over the deaths of several high-ranking Iranian military officials during the clashes.

The exchange between the two defense officials comes as regional and global powers monitor the precarious ceasefire, which has temporarily halted open hostilities but remains vulnerable to escalation.

The conversation underscores the complex dynamics in the Middle East, where Iran and Saudi Arabia—longtime rivals—have recently sought to mend ties while navigating the volatile Israel-Palestine conflict and broader geopolitical tensions.

Analysts warn that any renewed aggression could destabilize the region further, prompting calls for sustained diplomatic engagement to prevent another flare-up.