By IANS,
Tehran : Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, in an obvious warning to the West, Thursday said the country’s armed forces would react to any threat of aggression.
Addressing a military parade marking the National Army Day here, the president said: “No major power is able to jeopardize the Iranian nation’s security and interests of its people. Iran’s army, the Revolutionary Guards and the Basij would respond strongly to even the minimum aggression.”
“Iran has the bravest and divine army of the world and it was a powerful deterrent to all enemies,” he said, adding that over 48,000 troops who died in action have proved the forces’ courage and endurance, according to IRNA.
During the National Army Day celebrations held at the mausoleum of Imam Khomeini, the founder of the Islamic country, the military showcased its fighting machine, including dozens of fighter jets, missiles and tanks, in the presence of domestic and foreign media.
Iran has been accused of providing military training to Palestinian militants and the insurgents fighting foreign forces in Iraq.
Relations between Iran and the West have soured following the former’s refusal to stop its controversial nuclear programme, which the West, especially the US, sees a cover to develop nuclear weapon.
Iran insists its nuclear project is for civilian use.