Iran’s Defense Programs Not Influenced by Diplomatic Ties: Commander
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Deputy Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces Brigadier General Massoud Jazayeri reassured the Iranian nation that the improvement of the country’s defense and missile equipment will not be stopped even for a moment under the influence of diplomatic relations.
General Jazayeri, who is also a senior spokesman for the Iranian Armed Forces, stressed that the improvement of Iran’s defense and missile equipment is one of the priorities of the Armed Forces, and will never be stopped.
Given the hostile enemies of the Islamic Republic of Iran, such a priority will be seriously pursued within the framework of the decisions made by the highest ranks of the Islamic Establishment, he stressed.
“The growing trend of Iran’s defense productions and equipment has never been ceased, and will obviously continue more strongly,” the Iranian commander added.
“Those who are familiar with the Islamic Republic of Iran’s ruling system know well that the country’s resolve in defense fields does not go under the influence of any of conventional diplomatic ties or bilateral or multilateral negotiations,” General Jazayeri emphasized.
The remarks came after the US Treasury Department on Sunday imposed fresh financial sanctions over Iran’s missile program, which Tehran insists is rightful and aimed at enhancing the country’s defense and deterrence capabilities.
In late December 2015, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani had ordered the Defense Ministry to continue production of missiles needed by the country’s Armed Forces “more quickly and seriously”, in response to Washington’s earlier plans to impose new sanctions over a ballistic missile Iran tested in October.
In a letter written on December 31 to Defense Minister Brigadier General Hossein Dehqan, President Rouhani denounced the US government’s “hostile policies and illegal interference in the Islamic Republic of Iran’s right to boost its defense power,” and instructed the Defense Ministry to “continue the plans to manufacture various types of missiles needed by the Armed Forces more quickly and seriously.”
President Rouhani warned in the letter that if the US repeats such “wrong and interventionist” moves, the Iranian Defense Ministry must develop a “new plan” for expanding the country’s missile capabilities.
The president reaffirmed that Iran’s defense power contributes to regional security and stability and poses no threat to others.
He also underlined that Iranian defense capabilities serve to safeguard the country’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity and also help the fight against terrorism and extremism.
