MNA � The Iranian defense minister said his ministry has gained the necessary expertise and infrastructure to build strategic weapon systems in line with boosting the country's defense power.

�The Defense Ministry can build strategic weapons now, provided it is supported by the Parliament over the budget needs,� Brigadier General Amir Hatami said on Tuesday in a meeting with the number of Parliamentarians at the Defense Ministry�s achievements� exhibition in Tehran.

Referring to the vital role of the Defense Ministry in providing the country with peace and security against the external threats, the minister said, �The Parliament�s support can hugely contribute to realizing such goals.�

He also pointed to the potentials of the ministry in other sectors, saying, �The Defense Ministry, with the Parliament�s cooperation, is also ready to contribute to the non-military economy as well,� he added.

General Hatami underlined that the financial support to the ministry can pave the way for achieving modern technologies in the sector and boost the country�s might against newly-emerged threats.

Earlier on Sunday, in a ceremony held on the occasion of National Defense Industry Day, Hatami said the Islamic Republic of Iran will export weapons after the arms embargo against the country is lifted.

�Iran will use all capacities to meet its arms requirements, selling and exporting weapons after sanctions removal.�

�In fact, the defense industry is the strategic depth of the country, and the science and technology field is the support for the defense industry of the country,� he added.

Iran has made major breakthroughs in its defense sector and attained self-sufficiency in producing military equipment and hardware despite facing US sanctions and Western economic pressure.

The Islamic Republic says its military power is solely for defensive purposes against enemy threats.