In its Monday message, the IRGC underlined the need to promote the country’s
defensive capabilities, especially its missile power.
"Undoubtedly, your presence in this vital post, together with the endeavors of
the previous ministers, promises the reinforcement of the Defense Ministry’s
approaches and plans to further develop and upgrade the Islamic Republic’s
defense industry,” the message read.
The message also emphasized the need to empower the resistance front (coalition
of Iran-Syria-Hezbollah) to counter proxy wars and takfiri terrorism in the
region.
It also said that the IRGC is ready to help the new defense chief in
strengthening the country’s defense industry.
Hatami started his tenure as the defense minister on Sunday, after receiving the
strongest vote of confidence from the parliament, with 261 yeas, 10 nays and 13
abstentions.
Plans for more accurate and destructive missiles appeared atop a priority list
Hatami took to the parliament hearing on Thursday.
"The missile program is definitely one of the most important priorities of the
Defense Ministry in the upcoming four years,” Hatami told lawmakers.
"The enemy is stationed in the region, brings weapons to the region and tries to
damage the country’s defensive might, but we have set objectives in our plan to
counter the move,” he explained.
After the parliament gave him the green light, he said the Islamic Republic’s
missile program will go ahead relentlessly, vowing to continue the country’s
defense activities.
"[Iran’s] missile program will proceed according to the approved plans,” Hatami
told reporters on Sunday following the first cabinet session of the newly-formed
government.
Responding to a question about certain countries’ pressure on Iran to stop its
missile program, he said such activities "would not be affected by any type of
pressure.”
The defense minister vowed to strengthen the defense industry "with utmost
power”, stressing the Islamic Republic "will not allow any suspension in the
work of the Defense Ministry even for one day.”