TEHRAN (Tasnim) � Head of the Strategic Research Center of Iran�s Expediency Council Ali Akbar Velayati highlighted the importance of defense power, saying that without it, countries� diplomatic activities do not yield results.





Speaking to the Tasnim News Agency, Velayati, who doubles as an international adviser to the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, said without defense power, diplomatic activities of a country will have no support.

�In fact, diplomatic efforts without relying on a powerful government will be futile,� he said, referring to the direct relation between countries� military might and their diplomatic status in international circles.

�If a diplomat from the Islamic Republic of Iran speaks on behalf of a powerful Iran, his words will be influential and if Iran has no (military) power, nobody will listen to that diplomat,� Velayati went on to say.

Iranian officials have repeatedly underscored that the country will not hesitate to strengthen its military capabilities, which are entirely meant for defense, and that Iran�s defense capabilities will be never subject to negotiations.

Tehran has made it clear time and again that its military might poses no threat to regional countries and that the Islamic Republic�s defense doctrine is entirely based on deterrence.

By Tasnim News Agency