Iran boosts missile prowess to increase deterrence

According to Press TV, Dehqan told reporters on Saturday following a meeting with Iranian missile program commanders and officials “We will develop appropriate plans at the shortest time possible to increase missile and defense capabilities and boost effective deterrent power despite a demand by the global arrogance which seeks to limit the Islamic Republic’s military might.”

Stressing that Iran has never allowed other countries to make decisions about the country’s internal and defense issues, the Iranian minister said that the Islamic Republic’s measures will guarantee and improve stability and security in the region and across the world.

He said the Zionist lobby and extremists in the US seek to undermine a nuclear agreement reached between Iran and the 5+1 group– the United States, Britain, France, China and Russia plus Germany – in July, 2015.

He, however, emphasized that Iran is determined to fulfill its obligations under the agreement dubbed the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and said it will counter excessive demands by the US and the West.

Dehqan’s remarks came in response to President Hassan Rouhani’s letter on December 31, which ordered stepped-up production of missiles after reports that the US was preparing fresh sanctions on international companies and individuals in Iran.