Iran seeks no permission to boost defense capabilities: Military official

The senior spokesman of the Iranian Armed Forces has once again reiterated Iran’s message of peace and friendship to the world, emphasizing that the country seeks no one’s permission to boost its defense capabilities.

“The Islamic Republic of Iran manufactures any equipment it requires to defend the country and will not ask for anybody’s permission in this regard,” Brigadier General Abolfazl Shekarchi told IRNA on Sunday.

He added that Iran has been enhancing its power since the victory of the Islamic Revolution some 40 years ago, and currently enjoys high capabilities in defense and security sectors.

The military official emphasized that the Islamic Republic continues to play its role as a powerful country in both regional and global spheres.

“The Islamic Republic of Iran’s defense equipment, capabilities and power are meant for deterrence. However, if any country sought aggression … against this land, it would be given such a strong response that it would regret what it has done,” Shekarchi added.

The military official said the Iranian Armed Forces are capable of “easily” defending the country’s interests, adding, “We are saying to the whole world that Iran’s message is not war and bloodshed but peace and friendship.”

Over the past years, Iran has made major breakthroughs in its defense sector and attained self-sufficiency in producing military equipment and hardware despite sanctions and economic pressures on the country.

The Islamic Republic maintains that its military power poses no threat to other countries and is based on its military doctrine of deterrence.

Back in December, Iran’s Defense Minister Brigadier General Amir Hatami said the Islamic Republic is currently one of the world’s topmost missile powers despite being subject to severe sanctions during the past 40 years.

“Today, Iran is among the world’s topmost powers in building missiles, radars, armored vehicles and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs),” the Iranian defense minister said, emphasizing that Iran’s defense power is meant to send the message of peace and friendship to other nations.

The Iranian defense chief’s remarks came after Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei said Iran is not seeking war with any country, but the Armed Forces should develop their capabilities to deter any potential aggressor.

“That reality – along with the need for the country to address the areas where it is lagging behind – necessitates additional and extraordinary diligence in all spheres, including naval power,” the Leader said.