TEHRAN (Tasnim) � Iranian Defense Minister Brigadier General Hossein Dehqan highlighted the preparedness of the country�s armed forces to counter any threat and their efforts to ensure regional security, saying that Iran is playing a major role in guaranteeing stability in the Middle East.

�History has proven that the Islamic Republic of Iran is (a key) factor in ensuring regional stability,� Brigadier General Dehqan said in a speech in the northern port city of Bandar Anzali on Thursday.

He also stressed that the country has never been after expansionism or aggression against any nation in the region.

The defense minister further pointed to the ongoing crises in the Middle East, saying the US and the Israeli regime are killing innocent people by waging proxy wars and seeking to create insecurity in the region.

The best way to restore security to the region is the withdrawal of arrogant powers, including the US, from the Middle East, he noted.

�There is no need for the presence of foreign countries, and the region can provide security for itself,� Dehqan underlined.

Back in September 2015, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani also lauded the country�s increasing clout in the region, saying the role of Tehran in counter-terrorism and regional stability and security is now acknowledged by all parties.

�Iran was previously perceived as the region�s problem, but today it is known as the solution in the region,� he said at the time.

By Tasnim News Agency