Iran's Pezeshkian says country will build strength so enemies cannot attack

The military standoff between the US, Israel and Iran in West Asia has reached a very delicate point. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has made an important announcement on the country's military and technology policy. He sent a clear message to the international community that Iran wants to strengthen its advanced technology to the point where no enemy in the world would dare attack it.

Iran's various sites and key locations have been attacked in the past few years. In view of this, Iran has taken a major decision to take its defence system and military strength to a new level. After the military action against Iran in June last year and again early this year, Tehran has begun making big changes in its strategy.

Pezeshkian praised the country's missile programme and achievements in modern technology. He said this success was a living example of Iran's scientific capability and human resources. Addressing a gathering, he said Iran had done remarkable work in the field of technology, but that the country's security and future demanded far more progress than at present.

After his remarks, questions were being raised around the world, especially in Western countries, over whether Iran was quietly moving towards building a nuclear bomb. The president said firmly that Iran has no intention of making nuclear weapons and has no such thought for the future either.

To lend weight to his words, he reiterated the well-known fatwa of Iran's late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, which places a complete ban on making and using nuclear weapons on the basis of Islamic principles. The US and Israel have repeatedly alleged that Iran is running a covert nuclear programme. Iran has, as always, rejected the allegation and said its nuclear programme is limited to civilian and energy needs.

In his speech, Pezeshkian did not stress military power alone but also spoke of the country's internal development and education. He said, "Iran's future is in the hands of our young generation. All of us together must prepare a generation that is highly sensitive, ethical, creative and capable of facing every challenge." He underlined that weapons alone are not enough to make the country impregnable. Fundamental reform of the education system is the need of the hour. Education plays a basic role in producing capable citizens, which is why Iran is investing heavily in its scientific and educational sectors.

Reiterating Iran's political stance, Pezeshkian said his country is always ready for negotiations rather than any confrontation internationally. But the talks must be on an equal footing and in an atmosphere of respect. Warning Washington, he said, "America thinks it can force us to surrender by imposing economic sanctions and applying military pressure. But Iran will never bow to any bullying or use of force."

He also said the harsh economic sanctions imposed by the US do not fall within the ambit of human rights, and that the recent attacks on Iran by the US and Israel are extremely inhumane. According to Pezeshkian, Iran is preparing to bring about a revolution in its military and missile capability that will change the balance of power across the Middle East and make the enemy think a hundred times before setting foot on Iran.