TEHRAN (Tasnim) � Commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Major General Mohammad Ali Jafari said the reason behind certain Western states� concern over Iran�s missile capability is its deterrent power which prevents them from pressuring Tehran.

Speaking to the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB) on Thursday on the anniversary of the establishment of the IRGC, Major General Jafari denounced the US-led propaganda campaign against Iran over its legitimate missile program.

�They (the Western states, especially the US) possess many more missiles (than Iran),� the commander noted, stressing that they even have missiles with nuclear warheads, but it is not mentioned while there is hue and cry over Iran�s missiles.

The reason behind their concerns over Iran�s missile capability is that they know its deterrent power and do not want it to increase so that they can put pressure on the Islamic Republic whenever they want, he went on to say.

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

In late March, Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei underscored the need for boosting Iran�s defense capabilities, warning that enemies are making use of every tool available to undermine the Islamic Republic.

Ayatollah Khamenei said at the time that if the Islamic establishment seeks technology and negotiations but lacks defense might, it will have to buckle in the face of any weak country posing threats.

In March, the IRGC test-fired two types of Qadr ballistic missiles during the large-scale drills, codenamed �Might of Velayat�.

The two ballistic missiles, Qadr-H and Qadr-F, were launched from the heights of East Alborz Mountains, north of Iran, and hit targets on the Makran coasts, southeast of the country.

By Tasnim News Agency