Iran Announces Building Up Military Capabilities 'Without Geographic Borders'

Defense Minister's Statement

Iran is rapidly building up the combat capabilities of its armed forces in order to be able to respond 'without geographic borders,' the country's Defense Minister Mehrdad Ahlaghi Ketabchi said on Sunday, Anadolu reports. According to him, Iran is working 'resolutely' to enhance the army's intellectual combat capabilities under the directives of Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei.

Content of the Statements and Negotiation Context

'We are rapidly increasing the combat capabilities of our armed forces so that we can respond without geographic borders,' Ahlaghi said. He added that Iran 'will not be caught off guard, will not be stopped, and any type of attack will receive an appropriate, resolute and effective response.' The minister also stressed that the country 'will not be surprised by threats, stopped by pressure, or dependent on the will of others' in scientific and technological progress.

Diplomatic Background

The statement came as Qatar and Pakistan continue their mediation efforts to resume talks between Washington and Tehran; progress is reported in the indirect negotiations in Doha. The talks concern agreements on Iran's nuclear program, sanctions relief, and shipping security through the Strait of Hormuz. Tension in the region has persisted since the United States and Israel struck Iran on February 28, prompting Tehran's retaliatory actions across the region. Despite subsequent diplomatic efforts and a memorandum signed by Washington and Tehran in June, disagreements remain over security and shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.