Brig. Gen. Pourdastan who was speaking in a morning parade of the 22nd Artillery Division on Monday morning in southcentral city of Shahreza, Isfahan, predicted that Iran had been fully prepared for any invasion by enemies, against which the Army should be in a position to respond immediately and properly; “keeping forces prepared is a difficult task which only will be awarded when we defend our country and keep the national flag flying gloriously after any battle,” he told the parade. “In 1980, Iran was surprised by an attack from its western borders by a country with whom Iran had not have serious problems; however, they struck suddenly, but we recovered and during 8 years, emerged triumphant, pinning the enemy in its soil.”
Pourdastan believed that the stability of the country provided opportunities for the Ground Forces to organize and improve preparations and a deterrence which would discourage any aggressive mentality; “preparing for such situations would not imply definitive wars, but it is intended to instill the hearts of the enemies with a fear that the defending country would be a nemesis for the attacking side; preparations of the army also provides the public with confidence and psychological security,” he concluded his address.
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