Tasnim � The Iranian Defense Minister lauded the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) as the forerunner in the fight against terrorism in the Middle East.

�The IRGC has always been the forerunner in the fight against terrorism in West Asia,� Brigadier General Amir Hatami said in a meeting with Defense Ministry officers in Tehran on Saturday.

Denouncing the US decision to blacklist the IRGC and impose sanctions on Iranian oil trade, the minister said such plots are doomed to failure like all the previous cases.

Highlighting the opportunities for growth under the sanctions, the general said the Islamic Republic has made all advances in the military industry under four decades of sanctions and with the minimum equipment on hand.

Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei has on various occasions reiterated the need for boosting Iran�s military capabilities and defense preparedness.

In November 2018, Ayatollah Khamenei said that Iran�s enhanced military preparedness would frighten the foes and be deterrent against the enemies, underlining, �The Islamic Republic is not intending to begin a war against anyone, but you (the Iranian military forces) should boost your capabilities in such a way that not only the enemy would be fearful and afraid of attacking Iran, but also thanks to the solidarity, might, and effective presence of the Armed Forces, the specter of threats against the Iranian nation would be swept away.�