Iran's defense power not negotiable: Navy commander

"Iran's defense power is not negotiable and our defensive tools are only meant to defend ourselves and we don’t intend to make aggression against anyone," Rear Admiral Sayyari said in an interview with the state TV on Saturday night.

He also underscored the necessity for increasing Iran's deterrence power to maintain security and dissuade enemies from attacking the country.

Rear Admiral Sayyari also referred to the deployment of trans-regional states in the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman, and said, "This region can enjoy full security with the presence of the (Iranian) Navy and the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Navy but others' presence paves the ground for insecurity in the region."

His remarks came after Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei reiterated once again that the IRGC and the country's missile and regional power are not open to any negotiations with foreign states, stressing that no move or measure could change his verdict.

"We have previously declared, and once again we declare that the defense capabilities of the country are non-negotiable and not to be bargained for," the Iranian Supreme Leader said on Wednesday.

“That they ask, why we have some defense facility, why we produce them, or why do we conduct research; these matters are non-negotiable! We won't negotiate with the enemy on matters that provide us with our national sovereignty,” he added.

“Our dear Iran was once submissive to American, Zionist, and English advocates. This nation, country and its history had been drawn into repression by dependent, cruel, weak and submissive rulers,” he said.

Ayatollah Khamenei mentioned the enemy’s desire for dominance in the region and the importance of the Army cadets, who serve the nation, maintaining, “The Islamic Republic glorified and dignified Iran. Today our fight with the arrogant powers is over their desire to dominate our region. The most pivotal element of our national sovereignty is viewed as an intrusive element by our enemies--one that needs to be fought against.”

Furthermore, he raised the issue of Iran’s defensive development and the enemy’s disdain for it, by adding, “They oppose the development of the Islamic Republic of Iran's power in our region and beyond, because it is the country's strategic depth.”

The Leader of the Revolution, brought to light issues regarding security and its correlation with the economic situation in Iran.

“If we say security is important, it's because any other progress depends on it today: one of the main issues of the country is the people’s livelihood, which depends upon the economy. Economy requires security and must be built on a secure institution.”

Touching further on Iran’s economical situation Ayatollah Khamenei mentioned, “Our historical problem is the dependence of the economy on oil; this has caused a concern for economic security at all times: The price of oil declined, it rose, that oil customer did not pay... when everything revolves around oil, the economy is insecure; the economy must be secured.”

The Leader of the revolution spoke on recent controversies surrounding the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), clearly reiterating his position on Iran’s defensive capabilities, by stating, “We have previously declared, and once again we declare that the defense capabilities of the country are non-negotiable and not to be bargained for!”



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