Cleric calls missile test a ‘preventive defense’

In an interview with Mehr News Agency on Friday, Khatami said, “The defense mechanism of Islam is based on ‘preventive defense’ strategy.”

Stressing that the great power of the Islamic Republic never authorizes invading any country,  Ayatollah Khatami went on to say the consequences of any evil intention against Iran will be such that “will deprive the enemies of their restful sleep for ever”.  

The Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) test-fired nine long- and medium-range surface-to-surface missiles, including the upgraded version of the Shahab-3, in the Persian Gulf on Wednesday.

The tests came in response to threats by the United States and Israel, which have said they may strike Iran’s nuclear sites if Tehran refuses to halt its uranium enrichment program.

The missiles included an upgraded version of the Shahab-3 missile, which officials have said could reach targets 2,000km away.

“The exercise is aimed at demonstrating Iran’s might and perseverance against the enemies, who in recent weeks have threatened Iran with harsh rhetoric,” IRGC Air Force Commander Hossein Salami said.

“We fire these missiles in honor of Iran to say that they are a small amount of Iran’s military might,” the commander noted.

Salami said, “We warn the enemies, who intend to threaten us with military exercises and empty psychological operations, that our hand will always be on the trigger and our missiles will always be ready to launch.”

“The enemies need to know that Iran is scrutinizing their activities wherever they are.”

HK/PA

END

MNA