Tehran, YJC. Dehqan says Iran is the world’s fourth missile power.
"Iran enjoys a quite acceptable position among countries
possessing missile capabilities. It stands following the United States, Russia
and China,” assreted Brigadier General Hossein Dehqan said in an interview with
Al-Alam on Friday.
He said "Keeping up to possible threats against the country,
we have been trying to increase the range of our missiles.”
Deuqan observed that Iran is currently attempting to boost
the accuracy of the missiles and make them radar-evading.
He further noted "Over the past years, the Islamic Republic
has made important breakthroughs in its defense sector, gained self-sufficiency
in producing important military devices and systems and enhanced the readiness
of its forces by holding various drills.”
It has however reiterated other nations, regional neighbors
in particular, that its military might poses no threat to other countries, it
has insisted that its defense doctrine is solely based on deterrence.
He further pointed to efforts by the US and its allies to bring
the issue of Iran’s missile capability into the ongoing nuclear talks between
Tehran and the P5+1 and said the negotiations would only cover the nuclear
issue.
The Iranian defense minister added "What we are discussing
with the sextet is merely the nuclear issue and no further topic has been put or
will be put on the agenda.”
He maintained that Iran decides on its own missile and
defense capabilities and no other country will be able to exert its will on the
country’s decisions in the missile sector.