Sanctions help Iran gain military self-sufficiency: Commander

Bandar Abbas, IRNA – Anti-Iran sanctions have made Iran self-sufficient in military equipment, including ammunitions for air force, an Iranian commander said. Commander of the Iranian Army Air Force Brigadier General Hamid Vahedi told IRNA on Tuesday that the air force has reached self-sufficiency in terms of manufacturing its equipment and weapons by the use of capabilities of domestic experts. Sanctions, as a blessing, created a situation for progress and self-sufficiency of the Army Air Force to become an equipment-oriented force, Vahedi said, noting that the air force personnel are completely prepared to safeguard territorial integrity of the Islamic country. The doctrine of the Islamic Republic of Iran is totally defensive and the neighboring states should be sure that the Iranian military capabilities are a good backbone for preserving regional security in order to be independent from foreign presence, he argued. The commander also noted that Iran’s aim is to warn the enemies that if they try to conduct the least provocation and plot against the Islamic country, they would pay a heavy price, which would make them regret it. The Iranian armed forces will defend the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz strongly with the aim of keeping it as a safe international waterway, he said, expressing hope that cooperation among Islamic nations would pave the ground for limiting the foes’ presence in the region. Elsewhere in his remarks, he highlighted plans for joint special flights by both air forces of the Army and the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) during the Holy Defense Week (September 22 to 28). During his visit to Bandar Abbas in Hormozgan Province, the brigadier general inspected Army Air Force bases and personnel. Follow us on Twitter @IrnaEnglish