Iran preparing to face enemies’ hybrid threats: Cmdr.

Tehran, IRNA – The Islamic Republic of Iran is facing hybrid threats from foes in different arenas, so the country is getting ready to stand against the menace, said the chief of staff for the Armed Forces of Iran on Saturday. Chief of Staff for the Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran Major General Mohammad Bagheri made the remarks in the 13th edition of Malek Ashtar Festival in Tehran, referring to Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei’s emphasis on the need for upgrading the might of the armed forces. Congratulating Iran's National Police Week, Bagheri noted that given the current security situation of the Islamic country, which has been hatched by enemies’ plots, the services and efforts by police forces throughout the country are being appreciated. The general added that foes have resorted to a small excuse in a bid to create a big plot against the Islamic Revolution aiming at hindering progress of the country, but the great nation expressed support for the holy system. The enemies tried to deceive Iranian youths and teenagers into accepting their fake stories on social media platforms in order to create unrest and riot, he said, adding that the police and paramilitary forces are tasked to reinforce security and tranquility in the country, while respecting laws and regulations. He also urged the commanders of armed forces to select qualified personnel and improve staff’s skills and expertise, noting that enough information of the social media and cyberspace as well as media literacy will help people stand against threats and harms of the platforms, so all commanders should be vigilant in this respect. The authorities and commanders should become familiar with the current situation and make families, personnel, and other social groups aware of the developments, he urged. The Iranian armed forces should have political and religious insights along with progress in identifying enemies’ methods and equipment, he said, calling on all those who are responsible to use advanced ways to prevent from lagging behind. The foes tried to sow discord among armed forces, but they could not achieve their goal thanks to coordination and cooperation among all sectors of the military forces, he argued. As the Commander in Chief of the Islamic Revolution has underscored the need for paying heed to hybrid threats, we are facing joint pressures in terms of military, security, cultural, and other emerging threats, so we should make ourselves ready to stand against all threats, he said. In conclusion, the major general called for futuristic research concerning identification of threats, saying that studies should be based on full preparation to stand against future threats. Follow us on Twitter @IrnaEnglish