40 Years on Revolution, Rouhani: Iran to Continue Expanding Military Might, Missile Work

By Staff

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said on Monday that Iran was determined to expand its military power and missile program despite mounting pressure from hostile countries to curb Iran's defensive work.

"We have not asked and will not ask for permission to develop different types of ... missiles and will continue our path and our military power," Rouhani said in a speech at Tehran's Azadi [Freedom] square, where millions of Iranians gathered to mark the 40th anniversary of Iran's Islamic revolution.

Rouhani also vowed Iran would defeat US sanctions.

"The Iranian people have and will have some economic difficulties [due to the sanctions] but we will overcome the problems by helping each other," Rouhani said, noting that “the Iranian people triumphed over arrogance and this year our commemoration to the Revolution has significant aspects.”

He further stated: “The tremendous and huge presence of the Iranian people indicates the success in toppling the enemy’s schemes,” noting that “The enemy won’t succeed in achieving its aims.”

“Terrorism in the region won’t have been defeated without Iran,” the Iranian President said.