Iranian Commander: US Fearful of War with Iran

Commander of Iran’s Basij (volunteer) Force Brigadier General Mohammad Reza Naqdi downplayed the US and its allies’ war rhetoric against Iran, and said they don’t dare to attack Iran because they have no hope of victory in such a war.

“They have no hope of gaining victory against the Islamic Republic in the battlefield,” Naqdi said in Tehran on Sunday.

He underlined the dire economic conditions of the western states, and said the US and its allies have no financial reserves which can support their continued war and arms spending.

Naqdi also referred to the social problems in the US and other western states, and said due to the chaotic situation and divergence in their societies, they cannot find the necessary support for launching a new war.

In relevant remarks on Saturday, Iranian Ambassador to Paris Ali Ahani underlined that Tehran is not concerned about a possible military aggression by adversaries, although its Armed Forces are fully prepared to defend the country against any kind of threat.

Ahani made the remarks in an interview with France’s BFM TV channel.

Asked if Tehran sees a US military invasion possible and if it is afraid of such a military confrontation, he said, “No. We don’t believe that. Of course, we have foreseen all the possible scenarios and are ready to defend ourselves but we don’t believe in it (that a military attack will be launched on the country).”

“Due to its importance and capacities, Iran is not a country which can be attacked easily and if one day such a frantic move is carried out, uncontrollable consequences will happen,” he added.

Asked about the consequences of such an attack, Ahani referred to Iran’s important role in the region and its friendly relations with the regional states, and said, “Such an attack will definitely have consequences not only for the region, but also beyond the region and will be in no one’s interest.”

The remarks by the Iranian diplomat came as Israel and its close ally the United States have recently intensified their war rhetoric against Iran. The two arch foes of the Islamic Republic accuse Iran of seeking a nuclear weapon, while they have never presented any corroborative document to substantiate their allegations. Both Washington and Tel Aviv possess advanced weapons of mass destruction, including nuclear warheads.

Iran vehemently denies the charges, insisting that its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes only. Tehran stresses that the country has always pursued a civilian path to provide power to the growing number of Iranian population, whose fossil fuel would eventually run dry.

Iran has, in return, warned that it would target Israel and its worldwide interests in case it comes under attack by the Tel Aviv.

The United States has long stressed that military action is a main option for the White House to deter Iran’s progress in the field of nuclear technology.

Iran has warned that in case of an attack by either the US or Israel, it will target 32 American bases in the Middle East and close the strategic Strait of Hormuz.

An estimated 40 percent of the world’s oil supply passes through the waterway.