“The Defense Ministry, with its correct understanding of domestic and foreign conditions, seeks effective deterrence against enemy threats,” Dehqan said on Sunday.
He added that Iran has reached an “acceptable level of deterrence in the defense arena” and the Islamic establishment is now a role model for all Muslim and freedom-seeking countries.
“Today the Defense Ministry provides all defensive requirements from idea to final product without relying on anyone, and despite all limitations, Iran’s defense industry is making increasing progress,” Dehqan stated.
In recent years, Iran has secured great accomplishments in its defense sector and attained self-sufficiency in producing essential military equipment and systems.
The Islamic Republic has repeatedly said its military might poses no threat to other countries, insisting that its defense doctrine is based on deterrence.
“The Iranian nation will not withdraw from its positions under any circumstances. Therefore, arrogant powers must either accept Iran’s rightful stance or Iran will continue confronting ….[them],” the Defense Minister pointed out.
Dehqan stated that the enemies of Iran think they can force the Iranian nation to accept their demands by imposing sanctions and don’t realize that Iran’s position at the negotiating table today is one of power.
“The Iranian nation will never accept the double-standard policies of powers … [which allow] a fake regime (Israel) in the Middle East to have a nuclear arsenal while other countries are prohibited from using peaceful nuclear energy despite observing all international regulations,” Dehqan said.
He emphasized that all signatories to the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) should use nuclear energy for peaceful purposes and carry out activities based on accepted protocols.
Israel is widely believed to be the only possessor of nuclear weapons in the Middle East, with estimated 200-400 nuclear warheads.
The Israeli regime, which rejects all regulatory international nuclear agreements, particularly the NPT, maintains a policy of deliberate ambiguity over its nuclear activities and refuses to allow its nuclear facilities to come under international regulatory inspections.
The United States, Israel and some of their allies have repeatedly accused Iran of pursuing non-civilian objectives in its nuclear energy program. Iran has categorically rejected the allegation.