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Iran is preparing to export weapons to its allies in the region and around the world. Photo/REUTERS
TEHERAN – One of the top generals Iran announced that his country was preparing to increase exports of weapons and other military equipment to Tehran’s allies around the world.
Major General Mohammad Baqeri, Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces, described Tehran’s allies for arms exports as “friendly countries” in the region and around the world.
“Introducing the Islamic Republic’s defense and military capabilities and sharing them (with friendly countries) can broaden the country’s defense ties and strengthen deterrence,” Baqeri said at a press conference Wednesday, which was broadcast by Iran’s state television.
“The Iranian Armed Forces are fully prepared to increase the level of relations in various fields, including wholesale export of defense and military equipment and training, and transfer of practical experience,” he said, as reported by Fox News, Thursday (1/6/2023).
Iran’s ability to provide military equipment has been demonstrated in Ukraine, where Russian forces have deployed thousands of Iranian-made kamikaze drones. Ukraine’s air defenses have been fending off wave after wave of Russian drone and missile attacks.
Baqeri said the program would be a key aspect of developing better relations with its allies in the region, although he did not go into specifics about which countries Iran plans to work with.
He went on to argue that Iran’s move is part of a changing world order that is seeing power shift away from Western countries.
“The world of the future is a different world. The geometry of the new world order changes with the emergence of several new powers, especially in Asia and in various fields,” he said.
The developments come as Iran is still in talks with US President Joe Biden’s administration to revive the Barack Obama-era Iran nuclear deal.
The Biden administration has scrapped former President Donald Trump’s “maximum pressure” campaign to stop Iran’s alleged illegal nuclear weapons program.
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