Attack on civilians in Yemen to bring disgrace to aggressors: Rouhani

Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani has warned against hatching plots in the region, saying the military aggression against civilians in Yemen will bring disgrace to the aggressors.

Addressing a special ceremony to mark National Army Day in Tehran on Saturday, President Rouhani added that Iran’s powerful Armed Forces seek to establish peace and security and protect the defenseless people.

Other countries must learn from Iran’s Armed Forces and prevent hatching plots in the region, he said, adding they should not attack innocent children and the aged people in Yemen.

“Others must learn from Iran’s Army and do not seek a plot in the region and do not attack innocent children and elderly women and men in Yemen,” Rouhani said.

He added that attack on the oppressed people would not bring honor to anyone.

“Why do the aggressors not extend a hand of friendship and reconciliation to other nations? What is the point in sending financial and arms aid to terrorists in Syria, Lebanon and Iraq? What is the point in the bombardment of the oppressed and innocent people in Yemen?” the Iranian president asked.
He said the airstrikes against the Yemeni people created a grudge among regional nations, emphasizing that the invaders would definitely receive a response for their deeds.

Saudi Arabia began its deadly aggression against Yemen on March 26 without any UN mandate. The military campaign enjoys the support of the US and some of its allies. Over 2.600 people have been killed in the unabated airstrikes so far.

Iran military acting in self-defense

The Iranian president further praised the Armed Forces’ brave moves to defend the country and the Islamic establishment after the victory of Iran’s Islamic Revolution in 1979.

Iran’s Army is the symbol of national might, order and civilization, Rouhani said, adding the Armed Forces are presently the “cause of the peace” not only for the Iranian people but for the regional nations.

He emphasized that the presence of Iran’s Navy in the high seas is not a cause for concern to any regional country.

“Our doctrine is not a military and war doctrine but [is] a defense doctrine. Our strategy is always an active deterrent strategy; deterrence to establish peace and security in our country and also in regional states,” Rouhani pointed out.

He stated that Iran’s powerful Armed Forces seek to establish peace and security and protect the defenseless people, added that they do not intend to carry out an act of aggression against the oppressed people and children.

Iran’s nuclear program peaceful

The Iranian president also addressed Western countries and said Iran held negotiations with the P5+1 group on Tehran’s nuclear program to “show that there is no problem in the region and across the world which cannot be settled at the negotiating table and through wisdom.”

He reaffirmed Iran’s commitment to all international regulations to prove the peaceful nature of the country’s nuclear activities and to build international confidence.

Rouhani stated that the great Iranian nation would proceed on the path to national development, stressing, “We all defend national interests with more unity and coherence.”

Select units from Iran’s Armed Forces on Saturday held parades across the country to mark National Army Day, which marks the establishment of the Islamic Republic of Iran’s Army. The country’s latest defense achievements were showcased during the parades.