Iran Says Its Defense Power Grew After War, Warns US of 'Devastating' Reply

Ali Belali, an advisor to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps commander, said Sunday that Iran's defense capabilities have grown substantially since the war with the United States began, according to Breaking The News. He rejected US leadership claims that Tehran's military power has been weakened, calling them 'mostly propaganda and psychological warfare.'

Belali argued the point of such claims is to damage morale at home. In his telling, the enemy is trying to 'weaken the morale of the people and create differences between the people and the officials.' He added that experience shows national unity is the country's most important support against foreign threats.

The advisor said the period after the war created an opening that Iran used. Defense capability was enhanced, he said, and the facilities and tools needed by the armed forces 'have grown significantly.' Production of defense equipment has also increased compared to the past, per Belali.

He closed with a warning: if the US takes any 'wrong action,' Tehran's response will be 'severe and devastating.'