Iran's army ready to defend country, says navy commander

Iran’s Navy commander has said the country’s armed forces are at full readiness to defend the country, according to local state media, cited by Iran International. 

“The armed forces are on full alert to safeguard the country,” Rear Admiral Shahram Irani said, adding that “the link between spirituality, knowledge and military power is the key to victory and endurance” of Iran’s system.

President Trump has publicly discussed the possibility of military operations against Iran, including airstrikes, in response to Tehran’s harsh suppression of widespread protests and its broader regional behaviour. U.S. officials have said various military options remain under consideration as part of national security discussions.

Trump announced that a significant U.S. “armada” of warships, including the USS Abraham Lincoln, is being directed toward the Persian Gulf region “just in case” military action becomes necessary, although he expressed hope that force might not be used.

By Khagan Isayev