Iran to strengthen military power: Rouhani

Iranian president says the Islamic Revolution is now "stronger" than it was in the first years

ANKARA (AA) - Iran will continue to expand its military power, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani vowed on Monday.

"We have not asked for and will not ask for permission to make missiles. We will continue our military and defensive path,” the official IRNA news agency quoted Rouhani as saying during a rally marking the 40th anniversary of Iran's Islamic Revolution in Tehran.

"Iran is the only country in the region that can rush help to other regional countries," he said. "The defeat of Daesh in Iraq and Syria showed the power of Iran and its honesty in fighting terrorism."

The Iranian leader said that the Islamic Revolution is now "stronger" than it was in the first years.

"Iran will not let the U.S. win this war. The U.S. has repeatedly announced in the past few years that Iran would fall but to no avail. Iran has gained a superior standing rather. Thanks to its resistance and unity, Iran will overcome problems and barriers."

The U.S. in August had re-imposed the first round of economic sanctions on Iran, which mainly target the country’s banking sector.

In November, Washington imposed a second round of sanctions, targeting Iran’s energy sector.

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