Iranian minister: U.S. cannot judge Iran's national security policies

Bahram Qassemi, the spokesman for Iran's foreign ministry, also said a powerful Iran was good for the region, as the country promotes peace and security.

FEBRUARY 4, 2018 12:01

Rocket launch in Iran (photo credit: FARS) — Rocket launch in Iran

(photo credit: FARS)

Bahram Qassemi, the spokesman for Iran's foreign ministry, said the United States cannot comment on the country's defense power as it sends "hundreds of billions of dollar[s] worth of weapons to the region," according to the Iranian Students' News Agency.

In an interview published with the ISNA on Saturday, the spokesman defended Iran's right to protect its own national interests and securities, claiming, “With the experience of the eight-year imposed war, Iran will never wait for permission from any country to protect its national security and defend the nation,” referring to the Iran-Iraq war in the 1980s.

The US supported Iraqi forces in the war, in which both sides claimed victory as Iraq failed to annex Iranian territory and Iran failed to overthrow Saddam Hussein.

Qassemi also said a powerful Iran was good for the region, as the country promotes peace and security.

“A powerful Iran is very important not only for the great Iranian nation, but also for peace, stability and security in the region. Undoubtedly, Iran’s ability to foil the conspiracies of global and regional enemies will prevent them from taking any unwise action,” he added.

Qassemi said the US and Israel have come to understand that Iran will not accept being bullied without a response.

“If they take any unwise action, they will receive a decisive response from Iran,” he said.