FNA - Iranian Defense Minister Brigadier General Amir Hatami stressed that the Islamic Republic is by all means prepared to confront the sanctions imposed by the US.

"Enemies' sanctions will result in empowerment of Iran," Brigadier General Hatami said on Monday.

"The Islamic Republic of Iran will deter the enemies' conspiracies with people's support," he added.

The Iranian Defense Minister that Iran's defense industry can compete with the world's in all aerial, ground and sea fields, as well as missile and Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAVs) sectors.

In relevant remarks earlier in July, General Hatami announced the country's determination to use 200,000 state-of-the-art technologies to produce necessary products.

"The defense ministry is endeavoring to put into operation nearly 200,000 modern technologies to produce indigenized and unique products" after reverse engineering and by relying on domestic capabilities, General Hatami said, addressing a forum in Tehran.

He referred to Washington's threat of sanctions against Iran, and said, "We can turn the sanctions and financial threats into opportunities because they will lead to self-reliance and self-sufficiency."

General Hatami said given Iran's defensive capabilities, the enemies have been discouraged from resort to military action against the country, and have now focused on economic pressures.

In relevant remarks in May, General Hatami blasted the US for its continued animosities against the Islamic Republic, and said that the American officials should take lesson from their previous unacceptable performances.

"The Iranian people are unified against the US and the enemies should understand that their hands will be cut off," the Iranian Defense Minister said.

"We learned from eight years of war with Iraq that we have no option except to remain independent and supply our military appliances," Brigadier General Hatami added.

The Iranian Defense Minister underlined that Iran's military might is to maintain security of the people in the region.