Khamenei says war unlikely but urges boosting Iran’s defenses
Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said on Sunday war was unlikely, but called on Iran’s armed forces to boost their defense capacities, as the country faces increased tension with the United States.
Saturday, Iran announced plans to boost its ballistic and cruise missile capacity, and acquire modern fighter planes and submarines following both the U.S. pullout from Tehran’s nuclear agreement with, and the resumption of economic sanctions.
“Ayatollah Khamenei emphasized that based on political calculations there is no likelihood of a military war but added that the armed forces must be vigilant … and raise their personnel and equipment capacities,” the website quoted Khamenei as telling commanders of Iran’s air defense forces.
“The Supreme Leader said …the air defense units were a very sensitive part of the armed forces and on the front line of confronting the enemy, and emphasized the need to increase their readiness and capabilities,” the website said in its report on the gathering, which was held to mark Iran’s Air Defence Day.
Saturday’s news of the military development plans came a day after Iran refused a French call to return to negotiations on Tehran’s nuclear plans, its cruise and ballistic missile arsenal, and its role in wars in Syria and Yemen.
Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said last month the Islamic Republic’s military prowess was what deterred Washington from attacking it.
Separately, a senior Iranian diplomat met visiting UK Foreign Minister Alistair Burt, and urged swift European action on economic measures to offset the U.S. pullout from the accord, and the reimpositions of sanctions by Washington.
“The imposition of (U.S.) sanctions and pressures and the lack of rapid action by Europe to fulfill their commitments will have serious consequences,” Kamal Kharrazi, a former foreign minister who heads a top foreign policy council, told Burt.
Iranian officials have said they would decide whether to quit the 2015 nuclear deal with world powers after studying the European package of economic measures that could help offset U.S. sanctions.
“European countries have not been able yet to take necessary measures to secure Iran’s interests under the nuclear agreement,” Kharrazi said.
Of course the Europeans are stalling. They know as soon as the sanctions are re-enacted in November, anyone conducting trade with Iran will be barred from U.S. banks and markets. The sanctions already in place prohibit Iran’s purchase of U.S. currency, trade in gold and precious metals, ability to purchase auto parts, commercial aircraft and related services.
Novembers sanction’s will prevent sale of Iranian oil and petroleum products on the world market, transactions with Iranian banks, and operations of Iranian ports and shipping companies.
Trump is looking for a regime change from within. For the sake of the Iranians and the security of the Middle East, I hope it works.
Category: Iran
At least When the Shah was in, we could buy Iranian Pistachio nuts on Manhattans lower east side. It really drove me nuts when he went into exile. Oh well.
Pun not intended?
You can’t trust those lying bas-ards about anything, if he says there isn’t going to be a war, count on it, the scumbag has something planned, probably against Israel! imho
One day those fleabag goat molesters are rattling their tin sabers, the next they’re walking around with their syphilitic peckers tucked between their legs.
“Minot Missiles Inc, this is Mad Dog Mattis, did you copy the new targeting data?” over. NCA will cross link the launch codes in 5-4-3-2
But…but…under obama’s deal with Iran (in exchange for billions in cash) Iran was prohibited from developing ballistic and cruise missiles.
Were they cheating all along?
Yeh but, two liars don’t make one truth! 😉
Way to show the world Trump was right, Iran.
And war is unlikely only because you know you’d get your ass kicked faster than Saddam.
They want submarines? Okay, sure, but where were they planning to run them aground?
Why doesn’t that ridiculous ME country learn to be self-sufficient? Build their own stupid cars. I can see it now: the latest Iranian sedan, a/k/a the Sennacherib II. Oh, wait – the Assyrians lost that one to the Hebrews, who cut off the water flowing from spring outside the city’s walls.
Sorry. My bad. It would probably bring back bad memories… again.
Khamenei wants to beef up Iran’s military with high-dollar hardware, but how will they pay for it? Best go on a buying spree now before the November sanctions kick in. The Rial has already lost about 40% of its value against the dollar with the sanctions already in place.
The only real weapon that Iran has that concerns me is their Russian built Kilo SS diesel/electric submarines. I have a good idea of their competency with the boats, but they only have to be lucky once.
If it comes to a shooting war, it would be wise to sink these at pier side.
I think they’re going to find themselves in the ‘crash and burn all that money’ state if they get too frisky. Just MHO, nothing else.
What AW1 says. Destroy them before they can leave port. Make apologies, if necessary, later. Don’t take a chance with these assholes. Their subs, such as they are from what I have read, are not the worst piece of military hardware one could possess. By mo measure do they compare with our submarine force, but they could get off an array. As said, they only have to get lucky once. Launch an array from distance and hope for the best. Don’t give them a chance.
no worries mate, one of those stupid ass muslims would just leave the windows open in the sub….lol 🙂
The Libyans managed to sink one of their Russian Foxtrot boats at pier side.
Thought they already had them modern up to date gee whiz 1960 F5s?j
“The sanctions already in place prohibit Iran’s purchase of U.S. currency, …”
WTF, they HAVE all the US currency they need. That dip shit Osmegma gave them a plane load of it prior to his leaving office, probably with the silverware. Is this some kind of joke? Sounds as if they are trying to rearrange the chairs on their Titanic as their economy flounders and citizens riot, tired of the bullshit which results in the honchos living high and Joe shit the ragman and his family living in poverty. I want to see them disappear down the drain. We should not give them a dime. Not one dime.
I’d bet a lot of that cash is long gone. First, the Mad Mullahs get their cut, and then they have to support their activities in Syria, Yemen, and Iraq, not to mention building missiles and antique jets.
A couple Billion USD just doesn’t go as far as it used to.
*grin*