Iran among top 10 countries in defense capability: Iranian minister

TEHRAN, June 10 (MNA) – Defense Minister Ahmad Vahidi announced on Sunday that Iran is among the top 10 countries in the world in terms of defense capability. “I can declare with confidence that Iran is among the top 10 countries in the world which has succeeded to play its role efficiently in defense areas,” Vahidi told reporters on the sidelines of the defense industry festival and observation environmental issues. On Iran’s nuclear activities, he said, “Iran’s policy in the nuclear issue is defending the nation’s rights and we will never forego our rights.” He added, “As the Supreme Leader of the Revolution has stated the use of nuclear weapon is haram (prohibited in Islam) and the Westerners should know this issue.” Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution, issued a fatwa on April 17, 2010 declaring that the production, stockpiling, and use of nuclear weapons are all haram.