Addressing a virtual parliamentary session on Sunday to review the qualifications of Mehrdad Akhlaqi, the president’s nominee for minister of defense, Pezeshkian said Iran’s Armed Forces have demonstrated remarkable courage, sacrifice and capabilities in defending the country.
The president praised Akhlaqi’s scientific and technical expertise and noted his 42 years of service at the Defense Ministry, saying his professional experience and progression through scientific, technical and managerial positions made him qualified for the post.
The president emphasized that Iran’s defense power extends beyond missiles and military hardware, identifying public support and national unity as essential pillars of the country’s deterrence.
While Iran has not attacked other countries over the past two centuries and has no intention of doing so, it would resist any attack with determination and defend its territory, Pezeshkian stated, stressing that Iran has no territorial ambitions toward other nations.
He said Iran’s enhanced defense capabilities have strengthened its deterrence, adding that the country’s defensive power has reached a point where foreign powers, despite their extensive resources and equipment, would not easily dare to launch an act of aggression against Iran.