IRGC chief praises defense industry experts for work during US and Israeli-imposed wars

Chief Commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Major General Ahmad Vahidi met with the newly-appointed Minister of Defense, Mehrdad Akhlaghi, on Wednesday, according to Mehr News. During the meeting, Vahidi praised the efforts of specialists in Iran's defense industry, particularly during the two wars he described as imposed by the United States and the Zionist regime against Iran — a 12-day war beginning June 13 and a 40-day war referred to as the Ramadan War, which began February 28.

The two senior officials exchanged views on a range of issues, including the role of the defense industry in supporting the Armed Forces, maintaining continuity in the production of defense equipment and weaponry under wartime conditions, and strategies for cooperation and synergy between industrial entities of the Ministry of Defense and the IRGC.

Vahidi highlighted the work of specialists and staff in the defense industry during both conflicts and stressed the strategic role of indigenized capabilities in meeting the country's defense needs. "Relying upon the indigenous knowledge and technical knowhow, the determination of specialists, and continuity of the defense equipment production chain are key factors in maintaining readiness of the Armed Forces and countering potential threats from adversaries," he said.

He also emphasized the importance of making maximum use of domestic capabilities and identified the development of cooperation between the operational and industrial sectors of the Armed Forces as a means to enhance combat capabilities, boost defense readiness, and strengthen the country's deterrence.

For his part, the newly-appointed defense minister expressed the Defense Ministry's readiness to support the country's Armed Forces in producing and advancing technology, especially strategic weaponry. Akhlaghi highlighted the capabilities and readiness of the defense industry sector to expand cooperation and interaction with corresponding branches of the IRGC, and emphasized the development of joint collaborations regarding the design, production, procurement, and support of defense equipment.

The meeting comes as Iran's defense establishment continues to prioritize domestic production and technological self-reliance. According to Mehr News, the discussions focused on strengthening coordination between the IRGC and the Defense Ministry amid what the officials described as ongoing threats from adversaries.