Iranian defense minister affirms implementation of the leader's directives and immediate response to any threat

Iranian Defense Minister Mehrdad Akhlaqi announced on Monday his country’s commitment to implementing the directives of Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, affirming that the armed forces will respond immediately to any threat or aggression and without geographic restrictions.

Akhlaqi said, according to media reports, that Iran is working resolutely to develop its smart combat readiness and to apply a strategy that enables an immediate response at any location, stressing that threats will not catch the country by surprise nor deter or stop it.

He added that Tehran seeks to accelerate cycles of design, production and procurement of defensive equipment, strengthen industrial infrastructure and improve the armed forces’ logistical support capabilities.

The minister noted that any aggression against Iran will be met with a decisive, proportionate and effective response, and that threats will not determine the scope, timing or outcomes of Iran’s defensive response.

Akhlaqi stressed that his country will not allow pressure or the calculations of other parties to constrain its scientific and technological progress, affirming Iran’s determination to protect its security, independence and territorial integrity.

This follows directives from the Supreme Leader in Iran, who last Saturday instructed the armed forces to confront any level of threat without geographic restrictions, stressing that combat readiness is an essential condition for achieving deterrence.

With the U.S. midterm elections scheduled for tomorrow, Tuesday, U.S. media reports said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is pressing President Donald Trump to resume military action against Iran after those elections.