19-04-09 Iran Showcases Military in Armed Forces Day Parade

At a military parade on Saturday to mark Armed Forces Day,the Iranian military displayed its military hardware,such as missiles,drone aircraft,anti-aircraft guns, and naval equipment.One hundred and fifty helicopters flew over the ceremony, which was held near Imam Khomeini’s mausoleum in southern Tehran, but the planned maneuvers by 140 jet fighters were canceled due to low visibility.The military attaches of several countries also attended the ceremony.President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad praised Iran’s armed forces as the “guarantor” of security in the region.“The world should know that Iran is a nation of ideals and wants peace and security based on justice for all nations,” Ahmadinejad told the crowd at the ceremony.He pointed out that the Iranian Armed Forces have played a prominent role in establishing security and defending the country’s borders over the years.The president said Iran’s national cohesion and military might have made the Islamic Republic the most powerful country in the region and thus no country can pose a threat to it.“Today,the Iranian nation,with its unity and faithful armed forces,is ready to play an active role in global affairs and to establish security based on justice across the world,” he explained.Iranian Armed Forces Chief of Staff Major General Hassan Firouzabadi said that Iran is ready to provide security in the region.“The Islamic Republic of Iran’s armed forces,with its modern doctrine,strategy,and military equipment,can defend the entire region,” he told reporters on the sidelines of the military parade.Firouzabadi said over the past ten years,Iran has not felt threatened by any enemy or power.The United States has learned that the preparedness of Iran’s armed forces has not left any room for any hostile action and this fact has eliminated the possibility of a U.S. attack on the country,he added.Iran ready to hold joint maneuvers with other countries.Naval Forces Commander Rear Admiral Habibollah Sayyari said that Iran is ready to hold joint military exercises with other countries.Talking to reporters at the military parade,he pointed out that Iran can help improve the security situation in the region through cooperation with other Persian Gulf countries.“Our message for all countries of the world on Armed Forces Day is peace and friendship,” he added