Defense Minister Amir Hatami highlighted the country’s military power and said the armed forces are able not only to protect the Islamic Republic’s territorial integrity but also to safeguard the security of the region.
In a speech in Tehran on Sunday, Hatami hailed the deterrent power of the Iranian military and their “strategic defense” capability, Tasnim News Agency reported.
“Today, we are able to create deterrence by relying on these highly-qualified, committed and pious youths of our country and defend our national interests and security wherever they have been at risk,” he said.
The official emphasized that the armed forces are also capable of defending regional security, adding that the security of the region is interrelated.
Hatami added that all regional countries should enjoy security so that the region becomes stable and secure.
In recent years, the Middle East has been plagued with terrorist groups such as the self-styled Islamic State, which are believed to have been created and supported by the west and some regional Arab countries.
Iran, meanwhile, has significantly contributed to regional security, playing a major role in helping regional countries like Syria and Iraq fight terrorist groups.
