IRGC to Show “Rational” Reaction to US Stance on Iran’s Missile Program
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Aerospace Force Brigadier General Amir Ali Hajizadeh downplayed US threats against Iran’s missile program, saying that the rational reaction to such demands would be the further improvement of the country’s defense capacities.
“Today Americans raise the issue of imposing missile-related sanctions, and expect us to retreat,” General Hajizadeh said in an address to a ceremony held on Saturday in Tehran.
However, he noted, Iran should improve its defense capabilities without any hesitation if it takes a common sense approach to their threats.
“Therefore, the IRGC’s reaction to US demands about (the country’s) missile power would be rational and aggressive,” the Iranian commander added.
The US Treasury Department on January 17 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.
Washington imposed sanctions on 11 companies and individuals for supplying Iran’s ballistic missile program, the US Treasury Department said, Reuters reported on Sunday.
The new sanctions came hours after termination of anti-Tehran sanctions following confirmations from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) that Tehran had made good on its commitments under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), the nuclear agreement finalized by Iran and six world powers in July 2015.
Shortly after the IAEA announcement, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif and European Union’s Foreign Policy Chief Federica Mogherini announced in a joint statement that the implementation of the nuclear deal has officially been started.
Earlier in January, the White House postponed the sanctions planned by the Treasury Department against individuals in Iran, Hong Kong, and the United Arab Emirates following Iran’s missile testing in October and November.
Iran has repeatedly announced that test of missiles is an issue relating to defense of its territorial integrity and has nothing to do with the JCPOA.
Iran has also underscored frequently that its military might poses no threat to other countries and that the Islamic Republic’s defense doctrine is entirely based on deterrence.