Rouhani: Iran’s army the only defense against terror in region
President tells military parade Middle East countries shouldn't rely on West against Islamic State
TEHRAN — Iran’s president said Tuesday his country’s military is the most reliable force to take on “terrorists in the region” — a reference to the extremist Islamic State group.
Hassan Rouhani said Iranian troops are willing to help both Iraq and Syria in the struggle against IS militants, but insisted Tehran has no military intentions toward other nations.
“Today, we tell the world that the biggest anti-terrorism force is the Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic,” Rouhani told an annual military parade.
Rouhani said that if terrorists expand in the region, only Iran’s army will be able to help.
“As we have helped the governments of Syria and Iraq against terrorism, upon their own requests, if, heavens forbid, terrorism emerges in other neighboring countries they could again pin their hopes on the Iranian Armed Forces,” he said, according to Iranian state media.
Rouhani added that Mideast nations should not put too much faith in “Western powers as their defenders.”
Iran has already sent military advisers to both Iraq and Syria to help in the battle with IS militants.
Rouhani’s speech in Tehran was broadcast live on state TV and came at the start of a week-long celebration of Iran’s armed forced. The army is expected to unveil new missiles as part of the ceremony Tuesday, according to media reports.
The parade marks the anniversary of the start of Iran’s 1980-1988 war against Iraq.