Iran Officials Outline Strategy Amid Regional Tensions

Iran's new Defense Minister Brigadier General Aziz Nasirzadeh has outlined priorities to enhance the country's defense capabilities, focusing on emerging threats and advanced technologies. He emphasized the need for active deterrence and defense diplomacy to maintain national power while equipping the Armed Forces with indigenous technologies. Concurrently, Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi assured that Iran does not seek to escalate tensions in the Middle East following the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, which Iran attributes to Israel. Araqchi stated that Iran's response would be 'definite and calculated,' while also addressing the need to manage tensions with the United States, emphasizing that these hostilities stem from fundamental differences. He expressed hope for improved relations with Europe if they abandon their 'hostile' policies towards Iran. The new foreign minister also reiterated support for the axis of resistance against Israel, indicating a coordinated military and diplomatic approach to ensure national interests.