Deputy Army Commander Lieutenant General Abdolrahim Mousavi highlighted the need for boosting the country’s defense power, particularly in the field of missiles, stressing that Tehran needs no permission for developing its capabilities. “It is the defense power of the country that sets the ground for diplomacy and progress,” Mousavi said on Friday, while addressing a ceremony held in Zanjan, Tasnim News Agency reported. “We do not need anyone’s permission for increasing our defense power, and only listen to the orders of the Commander-in-Chief of the Iranian Armed Forces (Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei).” In similar remarks in late March, Defense Minister Hossein Dehqan said the country will never ask permission from anyone to strengthen its defense and missile capabilities, stressing that a harsh response awaits any threat against the Islamic Republic. Dehqan said Iran “has never had and will never have an aggressive approach” toward any country, but will make use of every tool at its disposal in the face of hostile threats.
