Iran’s defensive might serves interests of regional states: MP

An Iranian lawmaker has reaffirmed defensive nature of Iran’s military maneuvers, calling on regional states to take advantage of Iran’s defensive potential and capability.

”These maneuvers [are aimed to] convey the message of peace and friendship and the [need for the] establishment of [regional] security by the regional countries,” member of Iran Majlis National Security and Foreign Policy Committee Ahmad Shohani said on Monday.

The lawmaker added that in addition to showing its might to regional countries, Iran should also prove its readiness to protect the regional security.

He emphasized that if regional states took part in Iran’s military exercises, their results could be much better.

The legislator added that despite the West’s propaganda, Iran has never attacked any country and has always defended its own territory.

Shohani stated that the Western countries spread propaganda against Iran’s maneuvers to spread fear and concern among regional states.

Iran is not a threat to regional countries but will always stand by them, the Iranian lawmaker pointed out.

Over the past few years, Iran has held several military drills to enhance the defense capabilities of its armed forces and to test modern military tactics and equipment.

The Islamic Republic has repeatedly assured other nations, especially its neighbors, that its military might poses no threat to other countries, since its defense doctrine is based on deterrence.