Iranian President Hassan Rouhani says boosting defense capabilities is a �strategic policy� of the Islamic Republic while Tehran should be wary of not providing its enemies with any �excuse.�

�We�ll pursue any measure to boost our defense might and this is a strategic policy,� Rouhani said in the first cabinet meeting of his administration �in the Persian New Year in Tehran on Sunday.

�But at the same time we should remain vigilant so that Iran�s enemies do not find any excuse� to abuse the country�s capabilities, said the president.

Rouhani referred to the nuclear deal between Iran and the world powers, saying Zionists in the US, Europe, and the Middle East want to sabotage the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action.

President Rouhani described �hope in future and trust in the government� as an �asset� to the country that should be taken care of.

Iran�s security in the �chaotic� region is an outcome a good relation between the government and the nation, Rouhani noted.

He was referring to the Takfiri militancy and terrorist bombings that have gripped several countries in the Middle East.

Rouhani�s remarks followed successful test-firing of three ballistic missiles by the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) in early March, which was faced by new sanctions from the United States.

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said last Saturday that Iran would respond to the sanctions �by further boosting our missile power.�

By Press TV