In a speech in Tehran on Wednesday, Brigadier General Hatami pointed to recent war rhetoric by some US officials against Iran and said, “With the Grace of God, today, the holy establishment of the Islamic Republic of Iran is at the highest point in its defense-military preparedness to counter any threat and excessive demands.”
“This privileged and exalted position (in the defense sector) has been achieved in the severest conditions (created by) sanctions on the Armed Forces,” he said, adding that “the Great Satan”, the US, and its regional stooges have acknowledged the Iranian forces’ power.
“We are proud that under these conditions, we have not forsaken the implementation of any defense programs or missions to strengthen and enhance deterrence,” he added.
The minister went on to say that Iran’s defense projects tripled last Iranian year compared to a year earlier to the enemy’s dismay.
Iranian military experts and technicians have in recent years made great headways in manufacturing a broad range of indigenous equipment, making the armed forces self-sufficient in the arms sphere.
Iranian officials have repeatedly underscored that the country will not hesitate to strengthen its military capabilities, including its missile power, which are entirely meant for defense, and that Iran’s defense capabilities will be never subject to negotiations.
Back in February 2018, Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei called for efforts to maintain and boost Iran’s defense capabilities, hitting back at the enemies for disputing the country’s missile program.
“Without a moment of hesitation, the country must move to acquire whatever is necessary for defense, even if the whole world is opposed to it,” Ayatollah Khamenei said at the time.