Iran's interior minister: Passive defense, most peaceful way to defend against enemies

TEHRAN, Oct. 26 (MNA) – On the occasion of Passive Defense Week, Iranian Interior Min. Rahmani Fazli said passive defense is one of the easiest, most cost-efficient and peaceful ways to defend a nation against its enemies. Iranian Interior Minister Abdolreza Rahmani Fazli made the remarks in a message on Monday, adding “passive defense becomes especially more significant during the times Arrogant powers are constantly plotting against the Islamic Republic due to its highly sensitive geopolitical situation and having a unique system of religious democracy." “Passive defense includes a set of actions that result in enhancing deterrence, reducing vulnerability, continuation of essential activities, promoting national stability and facilitating crisis management in the face of threats and military aggression,” said the Iranian minister in his message. Rahmani Fazli stressed that the Islamic Republic as the most influential country in the west Asia region requires a consistent, extensive and optimal planning for its passive defense program. Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Khamenei in September highlighted the need to enhance Iran’s passive defense mechanism to boost the nation’s defense capability; “It is necessary that effective measures be adopted in the passive defense domain … and ensure the country’s immunity and necessary defense preparedness against the enemy,” read part of the Leader’s decree in which he appointed Brigadier General Gholamreza Jalali as head of Iran’s Passive Defense Organization. Passive defense is a set of measures taken to reduce the probability of and to minimize the effects of damage caused by hostile action without the intention of taking the initiative. Iran celebrates Passive Defense Week on October 25-31.