TEHRAN (Tasnim) � Iranian First Vice-President Eshaq Jahangiri hailed the major influence that the country�s defense capabilities, mainly the missile power, have on foreign parties in the course of political negotiations.

Iran�s missile power is known as the key factor in deterrence, Jahangiri said at a meeting of senior Defense Ministry officials in Tehran on Tuesday.

�That (deterrent) power is such that when we hold political negotiations with different countries, they recognize that they are facing a mighty country,� the vice president explained.

He underlined that the missile capabilities contribute to elevation of the country�s scientific position, too, because they indicate Iran�s considerable technological expertise.

Jahangiri added that the successful experience of making advances in the defense industry despite a whole host of foreign sanctions could be employed in the economic sector as well.

His comments came a few days after Head of Iran�s Civil Defense Organization Brigadier General Gholam Reza Jalali described Iran�s defense capabilities as the factor encouraging diplomats in political negotiations.

�The fact that our enemies rule out ground attacks against us does not result from the political smile (of Iranian diplomats), but from the strong military defense in the ground sphere,� the commander said.

Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei has frequently underlined the need for strengthening the country�s military capabilities, saying Iran has �an inalienable and absolute right� to reinforce its defensive and offensive power.

By Tasnim News Agency