Iran must boost defense capabilities: Ayatollah Khamenei

Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei has stressed the strengthening of Iran’s defense capabilities in the face of enemy threats.

Ayatollah Khamenei made the remarks in a meeting with eulogists on the occasion of the birth anniversary of Prophet Muhammad’s infallible daughter Hazrat Fatemeh Zahra (PBUH) on Wednesday.

Ayatollah Khamenei noted that Iran needs to have boosted its defensive military capabilities in order to strengthen its position in potential negotiations.

“If the Islamic establishment seeks technology and negotiations but does not have defensive power, it will have to back down in the face of any petty country that threatens it,” the Leader said.

“That they say the future of the world is one of negotiation and not one of missiles... if that is said out of ignorance, well it is ignorance, but if it’s said knowingly, it is treason,” Ayatollah Khamenei said.

“The Islamic Republic must use all tools,” the Leader said, adding, “I am not opposed to political dialog, not with everyone of course. I am fine with political dialog on the level of global issues. These are times of both missiles and negotiations.”

Ayatollah Khamenei emphasized, however, that negotiations must also be conducted with strength and Iran’s negotiating skills must also be boosted.

“Negotiations should be carried out in such a way that we do not get cheated,” the Leader said, adding, “That we negotiate, put things on paper, but sanctions don’t get removed, and trade doesn’t get going is a sign that something is wrong.”

Ayatollah Khamenei’s remarks come as the United States and some of their European allies are seeking a meeting at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on Iran’s recent missile tests, which they claim were carried out in defiance of a UNSC resolution.

EA