Iran Vows Unwavering Support for Regional Allies

Defense Minister Amir Hatami said Iran will continue to support regional allies despite western efforts to dissuade the Islamic Republic from backing resistance groups such as Lebanon’s Hezbollah.

In an interview with Arabic-language Al-Alam news network on Saturday evening, Hatami said resistance is rooted in the Islamic Republic’s culture, Press TV reported.

“Perhaps the main fear of the arrogant world powers about our relationship with the resistance axis is that they do not want such a pattern to see the light of day,” he said.

“Resistance means defense in the face of arrogance and confrontation with tyranny and oppression. According to our religious teachings, we do not accept oppression, usurpation and aggression, and help those who resist in this axis on the basis of these teachings.”

The minister stressed that Iran will continue to support resistance groups even more than before.

According to Hatami, Iran’s national interests and security require countering regional insecurity to prevent its spread to other countries.

“The country,” he stressed, “has so far provided advisory support to Iraq and Syria at their governments’ requests.”

Hatami also said the Defense Ministry plans to boost the country’s missile power despite the enemies’ attempts to undermine it.

“Iran has detailed plans in the field of air defense and electronic warfare, and will focus on manufacturing heavy aircraft to bolster its strategic aerial might,” he said.

“Defensive diplomacy is an important part of our plans. In a region, where stability and security are important issues, diplomacy and interaction definitely play a prominent role.”

Referring to Iran’s neighbors as well as regional and Muslim states as the Islamic Republic’s top priority, Hatami hope that Tehran could greatly help promote stability and security in the region and establish mutual trust among countries through a defensive diplomacy.

“Iran will export weapons to prevent wars, unlike other countries that sell arms mainly for their own economic and political interests,” he said.