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Iran’s new Defence Minister Mehrdad Akhlaghi has vowed that Tehran will make no concessions over the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, saying it would rather endure extreme hardship than give up even an inch of its land.
In his first remarks after taking office, Akhlaghi said he spent his first hour in the post meeting officials to address the needs of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ (IRGC) Aerospace and Missile Force and the Iranian Army’s air defence force.
“Responding to repeated threats against us is not merely a war of words. Our goal is to turn these threats into greater preparedness and more effective defence capabilities,” he said.
He added that Iran was focusing on using new technologies to achieve its defence objectives.
“If necessary, we will live on dirt, but we will not give up an inch of our territory,” Akhlaghi said.
His remarks underscored Tehran’s stated position that it would not compromise on territorial integrity despite external pressure and threats.
By highlighting the needs of the IRGC’s Aerospace and Missile Force and the army’s air defence force immediately after taking office, the minister also signalled a focus on strengthening military preparedness, improving air defence capabilities and incorporating new technologies into the country’s defence systems.
Akhlaghi did not identify any specific threat or announce a particular military measure in his remarks.
His central message was that Iran intends to defend its territory against external threats and strengthen its military capabilities to prepare for potential challenges.
