Iran resolved to boost defense might: Chief of staff

The newly appointed chief of staff of the Iranian Armed Forces says the improvement of the defensive prowess of the Islamic Republic’s military will top his agenda during his tenure.

“The enhancement of the defensive preparedness of the Armed Forces and advancement of the capabilities of these forces in countering threats and the promotion of the popular Basij (volunteer) forces are among my most important work plans and priorities,” Major General Mohammad Hossein Baqeri said on Tuesday.

He added that the Iranian nation currently enjoys “an exemplary might,” stressing, however, that “the enemies have not been sitting idle and have devised and will devise countless plots and a variety of threats against the security of our country and responding and readiness against them is among the priorities of the Armed Forces.”

Baqeri noted that the security situation has improved in the northwestern and southeastern border areas of Iran, adding that safeguarding the national interests of the Islamic Republic beyond the country’s borders such as in the Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz and northern Indian Ocean will continue more vigorously.

The Islamic Republic maintains that its military might poses no threat to other countries, and that its defense doctrine is merely based on deterrence.

The country has also conducted major military drills to enhance the defense capabilities of its Armed Forces and to test modern military tactics and state-of-the-art equipment.

Last week, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said the Islamic Republic will never use its military might to invade another country but will decisively defend itself against any potential aggression.

“The Armed Forces of the Islamic Iran have never thought of and will never think of violating others’ rights but are determined to defend [the country] decisively,” President Rouhani said at an Iftar ceremony with commanders and high-ranking officials of the Iranian Armed Forces on June 28.

Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei appointed Major General Mohammad Hossein Baqeri as the new Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces on June 28. Baqeri replaced Major General Hassan Firouzabadi.

In separate decrees on Tuesday, Ayatollah Khamenei appointed Major General Gholam Ali Rashid as the commander of the Khatam al-Anbiya headquarters. The base is tasked with planning and coordinating the operations of the Armed Forces.   

The Leader also named Brigadier General Ali Abdollahi as the Iranian Armed Forces Deputy Chief of Staff for Coordination.

Ayatollah Khamenei also appointed Brigadier General Abdolrahim Mousavi as the second-in-command of the Iranian Armed Forces’ chief of staff.

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