Certain regional states helping terrorism spread to Iran: Military cmdr.

A senior Iranian military commander says several regional countries, particularly Saudi Arabia, are helping Takfiri terrorists move closer to Iranian territory, Press TV reports.

Commander of the Iranian Army’s Ground Forces Brigadier General Ahmad Reza Pourdastan made the remark in an exclusive interview with Iran’s English-language Press TV news channel on Wednesday.

“We know that some reactionary regimes of the region, including Saudi Arabia — which sponsors Takfiri terrorism and sort of supports the terrorists both financially and spiritually — and its puppets, who all enjoy help from the US and Israeli intelligence services are planning to get terrorist groups into our neighboring countries,” Pourdastan said.

Iran has defined a 40-kilometer perimeter around its borders as a red line, he added, warning that any attempt by terrorists to cross the line will be met with a firm response.

Back in 2014, the Takfiri Daesh militants reached Iraq’s eastern Diyala Province, which borders Iran’s western Kermanshah Province, seeking to carry out some terror acts along Iran’s frontiers, Brig. Gen. Pourdastan said, adding that Iran’s “armed forces intervened in a timely manner and took decisive action.”

Elsewhere in his comments, the commander cautioned that terrorism will backfire on those governments that are supporting it.

Commenting on the military exercises that Iran holds, Brig. Gen. Pourdastan said the drills are aimed at strengthening Iran’s defensive capabilities and deterrence in the face of any foreign threat.

“Defensive doctrine means that we do not intend to invade any country. And deterrence-based doctrine means that our effort to boost our operational capabilities is aimed at deterring those governments that may fancy an attack against Iran,” he said.

Iran has repeatedly assured other countries that its military might poses no threat to other states.

Earlier, Chief of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC)’s Ground Force Brigadier General Mohammad Pakpour made similar remarks about support by certain regional countries, including Saudi Arabia, for anti-Iran terrorist groups.

“Right now, countries like the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia are engaged in organizing and equipping these groups, but the reason why no [terrorist] act occurs [against Iran] is our preparedness,” Brig. Gen. Pakpour said.

The Islamic Republic has conducted a number of drills to enhance the defense capabilities of its Armed Forces and to test modern military tactics and equipment.

On April 12, the IRGC started large-scale security drills, codenamed "The Great Prophet (PBUH)," in the southeastern Sistan-and-Baluchestan Province.

Press TV’s website can also be accessed at the following alternate addresses:

www.presstv.co.uk