Showcasing missile with ‘extraordinary destructive power’ sign of Iran’s refusal to renounce defense: IRGC

The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC)’s deputy commander for political affairs has said the recent showcasing of a highly advanced ballistic missile with “extraordinary destructive power” reflects Iran’s refusal to renounce its defensive might.

Brigadier General Yadollah Javani made the remarks to Lebanon’s al-Mayadeen television network on Thursday, referring to the Khorramshahr-4 missile, whose operational performance was recently showcased by the Corps during unveiling of a new “missile city.”

According to IRGC, the projectile has a range of 2,000 kilometers (1,242 miles), an impact accuracy of approximately 30 meters, and high penetration capability due to its hypersonic speed and maneuverability, reaching Mach 16 outside the atmosphere and Mach 8 within it.

Javani noted that the Islamic Republic’s adversaries should take heed of the development, and identified Khorramshahr-4 as only one element of Iran’s broader military capability.

“Although Iran has come to the negotiating table, it has no intention of giving up its military power,” he said, speaking as Iranian representatives were preparing to join indirect talks with the United States in the Omani capital, Muscat.

‘Iran negotiating from position of strength; US back in talks in humiliation’

Javani rejected the notion that Iran’s participation in talks reflected weakness. “We are not seeking war, but if the other side makes a mistake, we will respond decisively,” he said, adding that Tehran’s negotiating team would enter talks from a position of strength.

He stressed that the Islamic Republic had “never trusted the other side” and that the nation remained united around its Leader and senior authorities. “We are not influenced by psychological warfare or other hostile actions. It is the United States that has returned to the negotiating table in humiliation, while Iran has not changed its principles.”

Addressing why the United States insisted on negotiating Iran’s missile capabilities, a condition the Islamic Republic has ruled out, Javani said the country’s high level of deterrence had prompted adversaries to seek to deprive it of its defensive might through talks.

He, however, asserted, “Iran’s defensive power must be preserved and strengthened,” noting that all political factions agreed on maintaining the country’s defensive capabilities.

The official went on by reiterating the Iranian Armed Forces’ full preparedness to repel any aggression. “There will be no element of surprise. We will not relinquish our sovereignty,” Javani said, and emphasized that the Iranian people today remained united and resilient.

Warning to enemies: Any mistake could be your last one

The official pointed to a recent announcement by Iran’s top military official declaring a shift from defensive to offensive doctrine, and warned that “if the enemy makes a mistake, it may be their last one in the region.”

Announcing the shift on Monday, Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces Major General Abdolrahim Mousavi said the transformation had followed the 12-day war that was imposed by the Israeli regime and the US on the Islamic Republic last June as well as continued American-Zionist mischief. Under this framework, Mousavi added, Iran’s actions would be “rapid, decisive, and outside US calculations.”

Warning about regional conflagration

The official said the Armed Forces had consistently worked to ensure security in the Persian Gulf region and the Strait of Hormuz within it, cautioning external forces against miscalculation. “If a regional war erupts, its flames will burn all of them.”

The Islamic Republic has repeatedly shown that it seeks regional stability and is fully capable of defending itself and its sovereignty, he asserted.

On reports of Iranian drones near US naval vessels, Javani said such measures were part of the country’s monitoring strategy, intended to send clear messages that all enemy movements were under observation.

Europe’s designation of IRGC a ‘misstep’

Javani denounced Europe’s designation of the IRGC as a “terrorist” organization, calling it “absurd” and a move that discredited its perpetrators.

He highlighted the IRGC’s role under General Qassem Soleimani, Iran’s former top anti-terror commander, in dismantling the Daesh Takfiri terrorist group in Iraq and Syria, saying European governments were trying to mount psychological pressure on the Islamic Republic through such ill-considered measures.

Press TV’s website can also be accessed at the following alternate addresses:

www.presstv.ir