TEHRAN (Tasnim) � Iran�s defense minister described the security of the religious sites in the holy cities of neighboring as the Islamic Republic�s redlines, vowing Tehran�s intervention if the sites are put in jeopardy.
�We have clearly asserted that the (security of ) holy sites in Iraq are the Islamic Republic of Iran�s redlines,� Brigadier General Hossein Dehqan said in interview with al-Alam Arabic language news network.



�The Islamic Republic of Iran will take action if the ISIL or any other armed group wants to threaten those sites,� he added.

The top officer also referred to Iran�s �national security� as one of the other major redlines, noting that the country keeps a wary eye on the entire threats.

�We have a border that is important for us. If the ISIL seeks to intrude into our borders or territory, we will definitely counteract, however, we deem it unnecessary today.�

Dehqan also expressed Tehran�s readiness to assist Iraq militarily in case the Baghdad government makes an official request.

Commenting on the anti-Iran rhetoric, in place since the victory of the Islamic Revolution in 1979, the defense minister said, �We always enjoy the highest level of (military) preparedness in the face of such threats, and are confident that the US and Israel will never dare to attack us.�

Dehqan also made it clear that Iran vigorously continues to strengthen its missile capabilities.

�We have tried to extend the range of our missiles proportional to the potential threats against the country, and we have acquired the needed ranges in this regard,� he explained.

�We are now trying to increase the missiles� precision and their durability, and to make them radar-evading,� the minister pointed out.

By Tasnim News Agency

 

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