Speaking at a ceremony held in Tehran on Saturday marking National Defense Industry Day, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani highlighted that the country should enhance its defense capability, adding that “our tension-relieving, trust-building policies do not contradict our defense power, because if a country is devoid of independence and authority, it cannot pursue real peace and stability.”
President stressed that the country’s deterrence will not be achieved only through developing the defense industry and boosting military capability; “we need a cultural, political and economic power as well. Gaining power in these areas can be turned into a national power. If a nation is devoid of a political power and able diplomats for negotiations and agreements, it is doomed to fail.”
Rouhani further maintained that Iran needs to strengthen its defense capability in order for stability and the nuclear agreement recently reached with the 5+1 to remain sustainable in the country and that Tehran’s “cordial ties with the region and the world remain amicable and lasting.”
The Iranian president also added that there is no provision in the JCPOA that would restrict Iran’s armed forces and keep them away from new technologies in the field of defense; “even the armed embargo in the Security Council Resolution 2231 entails a limited period of time that will not hinder the country’s development. We will purchase and sell arms wherever and whenever we deem necessary and will not wait for approval from anyone or any resolutions," he said.
“Today, Iran is faring much better than two years ago, since our nation managed to reach an agreement [on its nuclear program] that all but an oppressive and warmongering regime and a number of hawks inside the US are against,” Rouhani said.
Rouhani also touched upon his visit of the country’s latest achievements in defense industry such as a new solid-fuel precision-guided missile, named Fateh 313, that was unveiled today, saying “our country today is powerful in the defense and military spheres, but none of our military facilities are intended to be used against any country. We do not seek to intervene into the affairs of any country but rather defend our own nation, which will be to the benefit of all in the region.”
The Iranian president further added that Iran is ready to form a coalition with countries in the region with common goals with Iran, to fight terrorism and restore peace.
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