TEHRAN (Tasnim) � Deputy Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces Brigadier General Massoud Jazayeri reassured the Iranian nation that the improvement of the country�s defense and missile equipment will not be stopped even for a moment under the influence of diplomatic relations.

General Jazayeri, who is also a senior spokesman for the Iranian Armed Forces, stressed that the improvement of Iran�s defense and missile equipment is one of the priorities of the Armed Forces, and will never be stopped.

Given the hostile enemies of the Islamic Republic of Iran, such a priority will be seriously pursued within the framework of the decisions made by the highest ranks of the Islamic Establishment, he stressed.

�The growing trend of Iran�s defense productions and equipment has never been ceased, and will obviously continue more strongly,� the Iranian commander added.

�Those who are familiar with the Islamic Republic of Iran�s ruling system know well that the country�s resolve in defense fields does not go under the influence of any of conventional diplomatic ties or bilateral or multilateral negotiations,� General Jazayeri emphasized.

The remarks came after the US Treasury Department on Sunday imposed fresh financial sanctions over Iran�s missile program, which Tehran insists is rightful and aimed at enhancing the country�s defense and deterrence capabilities.

In late December 2015, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani had ordered the Defense Ministry to continue production of missiles needed by the country�s Armed Forces �more quickly and seriously�, in response to Washington�s earlier plans to impose new sanctions over a ballistic missile Iran tested in October.

In a letter written on December 31 to Defense Minister Brigadier General Hossein Dehqan, President Rouhani denounced the US government�s �hostile policies and illegal interference in the Islamic Republic of Iran�s right to boost its defense power,� and instructed the Defense Ministry to �continue the plans to manufacture various types of missiles needed by the Armed Forces more quickly and seriously.�

President Rouhani warned in the letter that if the US repeats such �wrong and interventionist� moves, the Iranian Defense Ministry must develop a �new plan� for expanding the country�s missile capabilities.

The president reaffirmed that Iran�s defense power contributes to regional security and stability and poses no threat to others.

He also underlined that Iranian defense capabilities serve to safeguard the country�s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity and also help the fight against terrorism and extremism.

By Tasnim News Agency