Tasnim � Commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Aerospace Force Brigadier General Amir Ali Hajizadeh rejected US officials� recent claims that Washington has managed to sabotage Tehran�s missile program as �a very big lie�.

In a speech on Tuesday night, Brigadier General Hajizadeh highlighted the country�s progress in producing advanced missiles and said, �When it comes to Iran�s missile power, the enemies beg for negotiation with us because we have become powerful in this sector.�

He further rejected some American officials� claims that the US has managed to infiltrate Iran�s missile systems and disrupt them, saying, �It is a very big lie because if they make such a claim, they should tell us why they want to negotiate on this issue.�

The IRGC commander further said he believes that the US claims are nothing more than a lie and a great fiasco.

It came after The New York Times recently reported that the Trump White House has accelerated a secret American program to sabotage Iran�s missiles and rockets, according to current and former administration officials.

The officials described a far-reaching effort, created under President George W. Bush, to slip faulty parts and materials into Iran�s aerospace supply chains, the report said.

US government officials asked The Times to withhold some details of its reporting, mostly involving the identities of specific suppliers to the Iranian program, because the effort is continuing, the report said.

Iranian military experts and technicians have in recent years made great headways in manufacturing a broad range of indigenous equipment, making the armed forces self-sufficient in the arms sphere.

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.

Back in February 2018, Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei called for efforts to maintain and boost Iran�s defense capabilities, hitting back at the enemies for disputing the country�s missile program.

�Without a moment of hesitation, the country must move to acquire whatever is necessary for defense, even if the whole world is opposed to it,� Ayatollah Khamenei said at the time.