Parliament voted in favor of a bill to boost the missile capabilities of the armed forces to strengthen Iran’s defense and deterrence capacities.
The parliamentarians on Sunday approved an additional article to Iran’s next five-year development plan, which allows the country to expand its defense abilities, including the production of missiles, reinforcing the air defense at short, medium and long ranges, and developing the electronic warfare strength, Press TV reported.
The bill also requires the government to conduct research and planning to produce weapons needed in the fight against terrorism. On April 4, lawmakers reiterated their support for the country’s missile program and condemned any measures that would undermine national security.
They described as “a joke of the history” the fact that “the US, on the one hand, constantly threatens Iran with military aggression, and on the other, asks Iran to withdraw the policy of expanding its defense and missile [capability]”.
Late March, Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei said missile power is key to Iran’s future security. Tehran has said it is under no obligation to comply with demands to abandon its missile program and vowed to continue developing ballistic missiles in the face of threats. In recent years, Iran has made great achievements in its defense sector and achieved self-sufficiency in producing essential military equipment and systems.
