IRGC Chief: Iran’s Might, Not Nuclear Deal, Deters War
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – What has really restrained the enemies from carrying out their threats of taking military action against Iran is the country’s defense power and weapons, not a negotiated deal on Tehran’s nuclear program, Commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) said.
Speaking at a press conference in Tehran on Tuesday, Major General Mohammad Ali Jafari dismissed the notion that conclusion of the nuclear talks between Iran and the Group 5+1 (Russia, China, the US, Britain, France and Germany) is something that has guaranteed the Islamic Republic’s security.
“Unfortunately, a (wrong) perception after the (nuclear) negotiations at the current juncture … is that we have managed to save people from the scourge of war through the negotiations and the (nuclear) deal,” the commander stated, making a reference to a nuclear accord between Iran and the Group 5+1 (Russia, China, the US, Britain, France and Germany) whose text was finalized on July 14.
He further described the real factors that, as acknowledged by both friends and foes, have actually prevented an aggression on Iran.
The Iranian nation’s defensive and revolutionary morale, the country’s wise and brave leadership, as well as “military technologies” in the missile industry and “preparedness of the armed forces” in the ground, naval and air force units are the main deterrent factors, the commander underlined.
However, the top officer added, what raises concern now is not the military threats, but the “perception that the US enmity (against Iran) is over or has waned”.
Elsewhere in his comments, Major General Jafari said the Iranian Armed Forces are scheduled to hold some 20 military exercises in the current Iranian year, which ends on March 19, 2016.