Army chief warns enemies: Iran’s response to threats will go beyond borders

The chief commander of Iran’s Army has reassured neighboring countries that its military exercises are for defensive purposes, warning, however, that a response to the enemies will go beyond the country’s borders if they endanger the Islamic Republic’s interests.

Major General Abdolrahim Mousavi made the remarks on Tuesday at the end of large-scale Zolfaqar-1400 drills, which were held in an area stretching from the eastern sector of the strategic Strait of Hormuz to the northern tip of the Indian Ocean.

Asked whether Iran’s boosting of its military capability poses a threat to neighboring countries, he replied, “It is not like that at all. Our history shows that we have never been people of aggression and invasion. Our efforts and exercises are all aimed at defending our ideals and our country.”

“But make no mistake; the enemies should know that if they threaten our interests, our response will not be limited to the borders. If they threaten our interests, we threaten their interests wherever necessary,” he told reporters.

On the contrary, he continued, “we bring security to regional countries and our brothers.”

Mousavi also hailed Zolfaqar-1400 drills as “one of the most successful joint exercises of the Islamic Republic of Iran Army,” which involved the Ground Force, Navy, Air Force, and Air Defense.

He added that the most prominent features of the drills included upgrading command and control systems, improving the quality and quantity of drones, and using smart bullets as well as successful evaluation of systems, tactics, methods, trainings and communications, and excellent coordination and synergy between the four branches of the Iranian Army.

“Naturally, the main result of any exercise and training is to increase the combat readiness, dominance, and mastery of all participants regarding the mission,” he said.

Iranian Army intercepts US military drones, warns them not to approach drill zone

The Iranian Army intercepts two US military drones that had intruded into the country’s airspace and warned them not to approach the zone where it is holding massive drills.

‘Foreigners only cause abasement’

Additionally, the Army chief stressed that the self-reliant Iranian nation and Armed Forces are capable of defending the country’s territorial integrity.

He predicted that the United States and Europe would not be able to form a coalition in the region.

“These countries are themselves the source of terrorism and insecurity. Wherever they set foot in the world, they [first] turned it into an insecure place and then flee, leaving behind problems and instabilities for the people of that country,” Mousavi said.

The top general made it clear that those who invite foreigners to their countries with the intention of borrowing security from them should know that the arrogant and domineering powers are only after safeguarding their own interests.

He stressed, “the Islamic Republic of Iran has over the past years proven that it can powerfully be the originator of establishing regional security.”

Mousavi further underlined that regional countries can join hands to maintain regional security through regional alliances and cooperation, without relying on foreigners.

Because, the Army chief went on, history shows that foreigners will not bring lasting security to anyone, but rather, they only bring “insecurity, dependence, misery, and abasement to the targeted nations.”

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