Iran defense minister says country will not be caught off guard by threats

Iran's Minister of Defense, Mehrdad Akhlaghi, said on Sunday that the country will not be caught off guard by threats and is committed to strengthening its combat readiness, according to a post on his X account cited by Mehr News Agency.

In the post, the minister wrote that Iran is committed to "strengthening combat readiness and ensuring an immediate, effective and proportionate response to any threat, anywhere, without geographical limits." He said any aggression would be met with a firm and proportionate response, adding that "Iran's adversaries will not dictate its scope, timing or consequences."

Akhlaghi outlined the ministry's priorities as accelerating the development and production of defense equipment, strengthening industrial and technological infrastructure, and improving support for the armed forces. He reiterated that Iran will not yield to pressure or allow others to limit its scientific and technological progress.

"We will not hesitate to defend Iran's security, independence and territorial integrity," the defense minister added. The remarks were carried by Mehr News Agency (MNA).