The chief commander of Iran’s Army says the Islamic Republic has the power to defend itself and mount “destructive” counterattacks if it ever comes under any aggression, in what seems to be an allusion to threats of military action against the country by the United States. RNA - “Our offensive power and capability to deal blows [to enemies] after aggressors start their assault, will be destructive and make them regret [their aggression],” Major General Abdolrahim Mousavi told an event in the northwestern city of Tabriz, in East Azarbaijan Province, on Sunday.
He added that Iran’s military prowess, while defensive in nature, provides for great attacking capabilities as well, noting, "We have never been the starter of any war, but we don’t solely rely on defense either.”
The general noted that the current state of affairs in both the world and the Middle East region calls for higher military preparedness.
Iran is engaged in a heated standoff with the United States, which has sent troops and military equipment to the Persian Gulf region to confront what it calls “threats” coming from Iran.
US President Donald Trump and his aides, mainly National Security Adviser John Bolton and State Secretary Mike Pompeo, have repeatedly threatened Iran with military action, while defending America’s ongoing sanctions campaign against the Islamic Republic.
Unfretted by the threats, Iran last month shot down an intruding US spy drone over its territorial waters in the Persain Gulf region, warning Washington against repeating such moves.
According to Press TV, Trump said a day after the incident that he had to call off strikes on three targets Iran a few minutes before they began, arguing that he did so to prevent casualties.
He played down the incident, saying the he would have reacted differently had Tehran downed a manned aircraft.
Elsewhere in his remarks, Iran’s Army chief said that Tehran has already proven its ability to defend against aggressors in the 1980s war waged by former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein.
“Today, we are way more powerful in defending our values and our nation and never will we take a step back from protecting this country,” the general asserted.
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