Iran can checkmate enemies’ moves: defense minister

TEHRAN, Feb. 28 (MNA) -- Iran has not yet displayed all of its capabilities and the enemies will realize them in the event that the country comes under assault, Iranian Defense Minister Ahmad Vahidi said on Tuesday.

Vahidi made the remarks in an interview with the Persian service of the Fars News Agency in reference to an article published in the February 25 edition of the Wall Street Journal, part of which read, “The Pentagon is beefing up U.S. sea- and land-based defenses in the Persian Gulf to counter any attempt by Iran to close the Strait of Hormuz.”

The article, quoting unidentified U.S. officials, said, “The U.S. military has notified Congress of plans to preposition new mine-detection and clearing equipment and expand surveillance capabilities in and around the strait.”

Vahidi stated, “These days, the Americans are extremely afraid that they may not be able to stand up to the Islamic Republic’s strong stances… in the event that an incident occurs in the region.”

“As our defense is independent and is based on defense policies and doctrines that are unique to us… the United States will definitely experience a completely new atmosphere when it comes to dealing with new issues that Iran is pursuing and will be compelled to figure out how to handle the new atmosphere,” he added.

The measures that U.S. officials have been taking show that they have adopted a passive stance in the face of Iran’s military plans, Vahidi stated, adding, “Of course, they will not be able to get to this point (the Strait of Hormuz) because we have not demonstrated our full potential and have not put forward all issues. The Islamic Republic of Iran has many things to say which it has kept secret for the hour of need.”

Commenting on the threats of military action against Iran that certain Israeli officials have issued, he said, “The United States strongly opposes certain remarks that the Zionist regime… makes about its evil intentions toward Iran, and the reason for its opposition is that it has realized Iran’s might.”

“The United States is aware that anyone who engages in a battle with Iran will definitely suffer the most and will be the main loser. And as we have announced that we will defend (our country) at full strength… they (the Americans) are telling the Zionist regime to be careful not to adopt an extremist stance, even if it is an affectation and is in line with psychological operations (against Iran),” Vahidi added.