The Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces described the constant improvement of defense capabilities as a cardinal strategy of the Islamic Republic, noting that maintaining security in a delicate region would be impossible without self-reliant military power.


Speaking at a ceremony in Tehran on Sunday, held to inaugurate the new Iranian defense minister, Major General Mohammad Hossein Baqeri said the expansion of Iran�s defense power is a definite and unavoidable duty for various reasons.

He also noted that the Defense Ministry of Iran has a primary responsibility for the enhancement of the defense power and maintaining the military preparedness.

The top commander then praised the Iranian forces� remarkable achievements, saying the outcome of the activities of the Iranian Armed Forces, considering Iran�s low military budget in comparison with�other countries, is incomparable in quality.