A high-ranking Iranian military commander says the Armed Forces of Iran have succeeded in developing high combat and defense power and acquiring state-of-the-art military equipment.
"Our Armed Forces are in full preparedness to defend [Iran's] territorial integrity," Rear Admiral Shahram Irani said while visiting a marine station in Iran's Persian Gulf island of Kharg on Friday.
He said the naval forces in Kharg are fully prepared given the critical position of the island.
Iranian military experts and engineers have in recent years made remarkable breakthroughs in manufacturing a broad range of indigenous equipment, making the Armed Forces self-sufficient.
Iran has made it clear that its defense capabilities are not subject to negotiation.
Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei has frequently called for efforts to maintain and boost Iran’s defense capabilities.
Iranian Navy resolute on defending coastal strip: Irani
Addressing a number of navy commanders in the southern port city of Bandar Abbas on Thursday, Irani said the country's naval forces are resolute on defending coastal strip and security of shipping lines.
He said the active presence of the Navy in international circles and drills has exposed Iran's power to all enemies and naval powers of the world.
Iranian officials say the Islamic Republic will not hesitate to strengthen its military capabilities, including its missile power, which are entirely meant for defense.