Iranian Defense Minister General Amir Hatami said Wednesday that Donald Trumps threats for imposing sanctions against are hollow and nothing that deserves a change in Irans policy of improving its defense capabilities.
He was reacting to Trumps hostile speech late Tuesday, when he officially announced that the US is withdrawing from the 2015 nuclear deal, called the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), and threatened harsh economic sanctions against the country.
During the speech, the US head of state took aim at Irans defensive missile program as well as its role in the regional fight against terrorists besides the countrys civilian nuclear program.
In response to Trumps rant, Leader of the Islamic RevolutionAyatollah Khamenei stressed that Washingtons problem with Iran has in fact nothing to do with the countrys nuclear program.
The Leader, who is the commander-in-chief of Irans Armed Forces, also said, We accepted the JCPOA, but enmities with the Islamic Republic did not end. Now they raise the issue of our presence in the region and the issue of missiles. If we accept them too, they will bring up another issue.
PressTV-Leader: Trump's speech against Iran 'silly and superficial'
Ayatollah Khamenei says President Donald Trump's speech announcing US withdrawal from a nuclear deal with Iran was "silly and superficial."
The Iranian defense minister further pledged, We will work to improve our defense power on a daily basis and will upgrade our missile power as scheduled much to the dismay of this nations ill-wishers.
The Iranian defense chief said Trumps declaration is nothing new, adding that it has been a routine for the US to launch conspiracies against Iran over the past 40 years.
The minister said Irans position in the world today is one of decisiveness and dignity, which deservesspecial respect, adding that the country willnever tolerate any act that violates its rights.
Commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Major General Mohammad Ali Jafari also downplayed Trumps announcement on the JCPOA, saying the long-anticipated move once again showed that the US could not be trusted as a reliable negotiating partner.
This is no new development and will have no significant impact on Irans national interests, Jafari said Wednesday while addressing a gathering of conscripts in Tehran, according to IRGCs official news service.
The commander, however, said Trumps announcement made it more necessary for the Iranian Armed Forces to work towards the enhancement of the countrys defense sector.
US withdrawal from the JCPOA proved that their real concern is the Islamic Republics defense and missile power and its role in the region, he said.
Irans Chief of Staff Major General Mohammad Bagheri also blasted Trump for his decision, saying Trumps threat of tough sanctions against Iran is proof that the Americans are clueless how to deal with Irans increasing power.
The enemies resorted to economic warfare when they had no option to launch a military one, said Bagheri on Wednesday.
Despite all threats and conspiracies by the enemies, we assured the government officials that security exists and they can follow up with the national development, he added.
