Iran’s air defense to counter threats

A top Iranian military official has downplayed sanctions against the country, saying Iran’s anti-aircraft technology possesses great potentials to counter any possible threats or attacks.

“In comparison with 32 years ago, the anti-aircraft systems of the Islamic Republic of Iran are currently at appropriate readiness level to defend the country,” a deputy commander at Khatam al-Anbiya Anti-Aircraft Artillery Base Brig. Gen. Mohammad Hassan Mansourian as saying on Wednesday.

He added that Iran has succeeded in neutralizing sanctions imposed by Western powers on Tehran and meeting all domestic needs.

The commander expressed the base’s full readiness to counter any enemy threats, saying, “Iran’s Armed Forces are ready to vigorously defend the country’s borders.”

He noted that Iran has obtained the know-how for state-of-the-art technology and has managed to design and develope adequate defense systems inside the country.

Deputy Commander of the Iranian Army’s Ground Forces Brigadier General Kioumars Heidari on Sunday had warned the United States against adverse consequences of any new military attack in the region.

“Any new military move by the US in the region will impose heavy costs on the [aggressor] country far greater than the costs it paid in Iraq and Afghanistan,” he said.

Amid the West’s standoff with Iran over its nuclear program, both Tel Aviv and Washington have repeatedly threatened Tehran with the “option” of a military strike.

They justify the saber-rattling by repeating allegations that Iran’s nuclear work may consist of a covert military agenda — claims the Islamic Republic has strongly rejected.

Iran says its nuclear program is completely peaceful and within the framework of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, to which it is a signatory.

As a signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and a member of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Iran maintains that it has the right to develop and acquire nuclear technology meant for peaceful purposes.