Iran plans to hold joint drills with regional countries: Iranian general

TEHRAN, April 18(MNA) - The Armed Forces commander said Iran plans to hold joint military exercises with some regional countries during the current Iranian calendar year, which started on March 20. Major General Ataollah Salehi broke the story on the sidelines of a military parade marking the National Armed Forces Day on Tuesday. Talking to reporters, the top general also said that Iran will protect the security of the region in cooperation with regional countries. On Israeli officials’ recent threatening remarks against Iran, Salehi said the Zionist regime is not in a position to invade any country. On the U.S.-proposed missile defense shield in the Persian Gulf region, the commander said that the plan is only a publicity stunt which is only a figment of their imagination.