RNA - Chairman of the Chiefs of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces Major General Mohammad Baqeri was speaking at the Iranian Parliament (Majlis) on Wednesday on the anniversary of the liberation of the southern city of Khorramshahr during the former Iraqi regime’s 1980s war against Iran.
“The Armed Forces are today at the height of their defensive power as well as military and combat preparedness compared to any other time, and that they do not await any permission or [approving] smile from any foreign power to strengthen their defense power.”
He made the comments after US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Washington would increase financial pressure on Iran by slapping it with the “strongest sanctions in history” unless Tehran fulfills a 12-point list of demands formulated by Washington.
Earlier in the month, US President Donald Trump raised eyebrows worldwide by announcing that the country was withdrawing from a 2015 multi-lateral nuclear agreement with Iran, and restoring its nuclear-related sanctions against the Islamic Republic.
According to Press TV, the Iranian commander denounced the US for breaking its promises and laying out a list of ‘do’s and ‘don’ts’ for the Islamic Republic, describing it as “an oppressive, criminal, isolated and furious enemy, which is being ruled by corrupt leaders and is on the payroll of the Zionist regime and terrorists” of the Mujahedin-e Khalq Organization (MKO).
‘US daren’t go to war with Iran’
The Iranian military chief said the United States does not dare to confront Iran militarily, and is thus trying to subject the Iranian people to economic pressure and psychological operations.
This is while the Iranian nation both stands by its commitments under any circumstances and respects the international law, the official said, citing the case of the Islamic Republic’s military advisory support to Iraq and Syria at their own request.
“If Iran establishes a presence in a country, it would be at the invitation of that country and its legitimate government. It does not seek war with any side,” Baqeri said.
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