Iran’s army wards off greed, malice of ‘arrogant regional powers’

TEHRAN, Apr. 17 (MNA) – Speaking at a ceremony marking Iran’s National Army Day, President Rouhani hailed the effectiveness of the country’s armed forces, saying they are the reason why ‘arrogant regional powers’ cannot turn their ‘greedy and malicious’ eyes to Iran. Iranian President Hassan Rouhani made the remarks in nationwide military parades marking National Army Day and currently underway on the vicinity of the shrine of the Founder of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Ayatollah Khomeini, adding “the Islamic Republic of Iran Army, as ordered by Imam Khoemini and following the strategy laid by commander-in-chief of the armed forces Ayat. Khameni, belongs to the nation as a whole and not to a specific group or political party.” “The Iranian Army is the army of Islam, Islamic system and the whole Iranian nation,” said Rouhani. “This army defends our establishment, homeland, laws, prestige, and national interests.” President Rouhani highlighted Imam Khomeini’s stress on the Army’s nonpartisan attitude, adding “party affiliation in the army means its obliteration.” “If we can now proudly speak of our country’s security in such an insecure and unstable region, it is all due to having a mighty army, powerful Revolutionary Guards, and courageous Basiji people,” he said.