Iranian army chief Amir Hatami on Saturday warned the United States and Israel against an attack, saying his country's forces were on high alert following Washington's heavy military deployments in the Gulf.


BREAKING: Iran Warns of Military Response to US & Israel in Case of Any Attack

According to Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, he had a “very fruitful” meeting with his Iranian counterpart Brigadier General Amir Hatami and discussed ways to enhance bilateral cooperation and regional security issues, including Afghanistan.

Indian Defence Minister meets Iranian counterpart, discusses bilateral issues

Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on September 5 left Moscow for Iran where he will meet his Iranian counterpart Brigadier General Amir Hatami and discuss bilateral defence ties.

India's Defence Minister lands in Tehran, Will hold talks with Iranian Defence Minister

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/zafar-satellite-did-not-reach-orbit-as-planned-iranian-defence-ministry-279606">Iran's </a>government on Wednesday rejected <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/zafar-satellite-did-not-reach-orbit-as-planned-iranian-defence-ministry-279606">US </a>allegations that the Islamic republic's satellite programme has a military dimension, days after the failed launch of its latest satellite.

"The subject of satellite launch vehicles and satellites is a civilian matter," Defence Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/zafar-satellite-did-not-reach-orbit-as-planned-iranian-defence-ministry-279606">Amir Hatami</a> was quoted as saying by state news agency IRNA.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/zafar-satellite-did-not-reach-orbit-as-planned-iranian-defence-ministry-279606">'Zafar' satellite did not reach orbit as planned: Iranian defence ministry</a>

"We could use a satellite for defence purposes, but the satellite launcher is a completely non-defensive subject and it's the definite and absolute right of the Iranian nation.

"There is no prohibition in the world" against this satellite programme, he said.

Iran attempted on Sunday to launch a satellite dubbed the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/zafar-satellite-did-not-reach-orbit-as-planned-iranian-defence-ministry-279606">Zafar </a>which is Farsi for "Victory" but it failed to reach orbit.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/successfully-launched-satellite-failed-to-reach-orbit-says-iran-defence-ministry-official-279692">'Successfully' launched satellite failed to reach orbit, says Iran Defence Ministry official</a>

Washington on Tuesday accused <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/zafar-satellite-did-not-reach-orbit-as-planned-iranian-defence-ministry-279606">Tehran </a>of using satellites as a cover to develop its missile programme.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the technology involved to launch satellites was "virtually identical" to the know-how for long-range ballistic missiles.

But <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/zafar-satellite-did-not-reach-orbit-as-planned-iranian-defence-ministry-279606">Hatami </a>said Iran was only doing the same as "all other countries" with satellite programmes.

Iran would press ahead with its satellite programme and planned to launch a new version of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/zafar-satellite-did-not-reach-orbit-as-planned-iranian-defence-ministry-279606">Zafar </a>by early next year, he added.

"The Zafar 2, given its weight, will be launched with the Simorgh launcher," <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/zafar-satellite-did-not-reach-orbit-as-planned-iranian-defence-ministry-279606">Hatami </a>said, referring to the rocket used in Sunday's launch.

"We will still do research on the launcher and the satellites and will certainly continue this research until we are stable in this domain and until we are able to do it sustainably."

Iran's government on Wednesday rejected US allegations that the Islamic republic's satellite programme has a military dimension, days after the failed launch of its latest satellite.

Iran's government on Wednesday rejected US allegations that the Islamic republic's satellite programme has a military dimension, days after the failed launch of its latest satellite. "The subject of satellite launch vehicles and satellites is a civilian matter," Defence Minister Amir Hatami was quoted as saying by state news agency IRNA. Also read: 'Zafar' satellite did not reach orbit as planned: Iranian defence ministry "We could use a satellite for defence purposes, but the satellite launcher is a completely non-defensive subject and it's the definite and absolute right of the Iranian nation. "There is no prohibition in the world" against this satellite programme, he said. Iran attempted on Sunday to launch a satellite dubbed the Zafar which is Farsi for "Victory" but it failed to reach orbit. Also read: 'Successfully' launched satellite failed to reach orbit, says Iran Defence Ministry official Washington on Tuesday accused Tehran of using satellites as a cover to develop its missile programme. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the technology involved to launch satellites was "virtually identical" to the know-how for long-range ballistic missiles. But Hatami said Iran was only doing the same as "all other countries" with satellite programmes. Iran would press ahead with its satellite programme and planned to launch a new version of the Zafar by early next year, he added. "The Zafar 2, given its weight, will be launched with the Simorgh launcher," Hatami said, referring to the rocket used in Sunday's launch. "We will still do research on the launcher and the satellites and will certainly continue this research until we are stable in this domain and until we are able to do it sustainably."

Iran denies satellite programme has military dimension

Iran's defence minister vowed Monday to respond to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-deputy-foreign-minister-says-captured-iranian-tanker-wasnt-headed-to-syria-calls-the-incident-maritime-robbery-233772">Britain detaining an oil tanker off </a>the coast of Gibraltar, local media reported.

The tanker's seizure "will not be tolerated by us and will not go without a response," said Amir Hatami, as quoted by semi-official news agency ISNA and Tasnim news agency.

"This move is against international regulations and a kind of maritime piracy," he added, speaking at a ceremony at Bandar Abbas port in southern Iran.

The 330-metre (1,000-feet) Grace 1, capable of carrying two million barrels of oil, was halted Thursday by police and customs agencies in Gibraltar, a British overseas territory on Spain's southern tip.

Authorities in Gibraltar said they suspected the tanker was carrying crude to Syria in violation of EU sanctions.

Tehran denies this and claims the vessel was intercepted in international waters.

Gibraltar's Supreme Court ruled Friday that the tanker can be held for 14 more days, the territory's attorney general said.

The vessel's detention came at a sensitive time in Iran-EU ties as the bloc mulls how to respond to Tehran breaching the uranium enrichment limit it agreed to in the troubled 2015 nuclear deal. 
&nbsp;

Iran's defence minister vowed Monday to respond to Britain detaining an oil tanker off the coast of Gibraltar, local media reported. The tanker's seizure "will not be tolerated by us and will not go without a response," said Amir Hatami, as quoted by semi-official news agency ISNA and Tasnim news agency.

Iran's defence minister vowed Monday to respond to Britain detaining an oil tanker off the coast of Gibraltar, local media reported. The tanker's seizure "will not be tolerated by us and will not go without a response," said Amir Hatami, as quoted by semi-official news agency ISNA and Tasnim news agency. "This move is against international regulations and a kind of maritime piracy," he added, speaking at a ceremony at Bandar Abbas port in southern Iran. The 330-metre (1,000-feet) Grace 1, capable of carrying two million barrels of oil, was halted Thursday by police and customs agencies in Gibraltar, a British overseas territory on Spain's southern tip. Authorities in Gibraltar said they suspected the tanker was carrying crude to Syria in violation of EU sanctions. Tehran denies this and claims the vessel was intercepted in international waters. Gibraltar's Supreme Court ruled Friday that the tanker can be held for 14 more days, the territory's attorney general said. The vessel's detention came at a sensitive time in Iran-EU ties as the bloc mulls how to respond to Tehran breaching the uranium enrichment limit it agreed to in the troubled 2015 nuclear deal.

Britain's oil tanker seizure will not go without a response: Iran defence minister

The United States is trying to create "Iran phobia", Iran’s defence minister Amir Hatami said on Friday, news agency Reuters reported quoting&nbsp;Iranian Labour News Agency (ILNA).

"Very complicated and suspicious conditions exist in the region," he was quoted as saying. "It seems that all of this is in line with an overall policy for creating Iran phobia and creating a consensus against the Islamic Republic."

Iran defence minister's comment comes amid ongoing tension between Iran and the US after a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-says-it-has-indisputable-evidence-us-drone-violated-its-airspace-229116">US surveillance drone was shot down</a> by Iran's Air Force near the Kouh-e Mobarak region on Thursday.

Watch: Iran's Guards shoot down US "spy" drone in Hormozgan province

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/irans-guards-shoot-down-us-spy-drone-in-hormozgan-province-229092/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Meanwhile, a top Democrat in the US Senate said on Thursday he was worried that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-hard-to-believe-iranian-shooting-down-of-us-drone-was-intentional-229050">President Donald Trump</a> may "bumble" into a war with Iran and he said there needed to be an open debate and a congressional decision on funding before any military operation was launched.

"I told the president that these conflicts have a way of escalating," Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer told reporters after meeting with top administration officials at the White House.&nbsp;

"The president may not intend to go to war here, but we're worried that he and the administration may bumble into a war."

(With inputs from Reuters)&nbsp;

The United States is trying to create "Iran phobia", Iran’s defence minister Amir Hatami said on Friday, news agency Reuters reported quoting Iranian Labour News Agency (ILNA).

The United States is trying to create "Iran phobia", Iran’s defence minister Amir Hatami said on Friday, news agency Reuters reported quoting Iranian Labour News Agency (ILNA). "Very complicated and suspicious conditions exist in the region," he was quoted as saying. "It seems that all of this is in line with an overall policy for creating Iran phobia and creating a consensus against the Islamic Republic." Iran defence minister's comment comes amid ongoing tension between Iran and the US after a US surveillance drone was shot down by Iran's Air Force near the Kouh-e Mobarak region on Thursday. Watch: Iran's Guards shoot down US "spy" drone in Hormozgan province Meanwhile, a top Democrat in the US Senate said on Thursday he was worried that President Donald Trump may "bumble" into a war with Iran and he said there needed to be an open debate and a congressional decision on funding before any military operation was launched. "I told the president that these conflicts have a way of escalating," Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer told reporters after meeting with top administration officials at the White House. "The president may not intend to go to war here, but we're worried that he and the administration may bumble into a war." (With inputs from Reuters)

America is trying to create 'Iran phobia', says Iran's defence minister

Iran announced the "successful test" of a new cruise missile with a range of over 1,350 kilometres on Saturday, coinciding with celebrations for the country's 1979 Islamic revolution.

"The test of the Hoveizeh cruise missile was carried out successfully at a range of 1,200 kilometres (840 miles) and accurately hit the set target," Defence Minister Amir Hatami said, quoted on state television which broadcast footage of its launch.

"It can be ready in the shortest possible time and flies at a very low altitude," he said.

Hatami described the Hoveizeh as the "long arm of the Islamic Republic of Iran" in defending itself.

It is part of the Soumar group of cruise missiles, first unveiled in 2015 with a range of 700 kilometres, according to the minister.

The Hoveizeh unveiling was part of an arms exhibition dubbed "40 years of defensive achievements" and held in Tehran.

Friday marked the beginning of 10 days of celebrations of the Islamic revolution that ousted the pro-Western shah.

On Thursday, thousands of Iranians had packed the mausoleum of the Islamic republic's founder Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini.

Iran has voluntarily limited the range of its missiles to 2,000 kilometres (1,250 miles), but this is still sufficient to reach Israel and Western bases in the Middle East.

Washington and its allies have accused Tehran of pursuing enhanced missile capabilities that also threaten Europe.

Iran has "no intention of increasing the range" of its missiles, the country's Supreme National Security Council secretary, Admiral Ali Shamkhani, said Tuesday.

'Purely defensive' 
 
Iran reined in most of its nuclear programme under a landmark 2015 deal with major powers but has kept up development of its ballistic missile technology.

US President Donald Trump's administration pulled out of the nuclear accord in May and reimposed sanctions against Iran, citing the missile programme among its reasons.

European governments have stuck by the 2015 agreement, although some have demanded an addition to address Iran's ballistic missile programme and its intervention in regional conflicts including Yemen.

UN Security Council Resolution 2231 -- adopted just after the nuclear deal -- calls on Iran "not to undertake any activity related to ballistic missiles designed to be capable of delivering nuclear weapons".

The US has repeatedly accused Iran of violating the resolution.

But Tehran denies seeking any nuclear weapons capability, and insists that its missile development programme is "purely defensive" and compliant with the resolution.

Iran's space programme has also been criticised by the West, with Washington charging that an abortive satellite launch in mid-January was cover for a bid to develop an intercontinental ballistic missile capability.

Iran tried unsuccessfully to put a satellite into orbit on January 15 and plans to "vigorously carry on" and make a second attempt, Shamkhani said.

Iran's newly-tested missile takes its name from a city in the southwestern province of Khuzestan that was devastated in the 1980-1988 war against Saddam Hussein's Iraq.

Several Iranian cities were battered by missiles during the eight-year conflict in a bombing campaign dubbed the "war of the cities".

Iranian officials say Western sanctions have starved its air force of spare parts and replacement aircraft, limiting its operational capacity and forcing it to rely on the missile programme.

As Iranians marked the anniversary of the revolution, the US on Saturday lashed out at the country's leadership, insisting it had failed to make good on pledges to improve the lives of ordinary people.

"When he returned to Iran in 1979, Ayatollah Khomeini made lots of promises to the Iranian people, including justice, freedom, and prosperity," the US State Department said on Twitter.&nbsp;

"40 years later, Iran's ruling regime has broken all those promises."

Iran announced the "successful test" of a new cruise missile with a range of over 1,350 kilometres on Saturday, coinciding with celebrations for the country's 1979 Islamic revolution.

Iran announced the "successful test" of a new cruise missile with a range of over 1,350 kilometres on Saturday, coinciding with celebrations for the country's 1979 Islamic revolution. "The test of the Hoveizeh cruise missile was carried out successfully at a range of 1,200 kilometres (840 miles) and accurately hit the set target," Defence Minister Amir Hatami said, quoted on state television which broadcast footage of its launch. "It can be ready in the shortest possible time and flies at a very low altitude," he said. Hatami described the Hoveizeh as the "long arm of the Islamic Republic of Iran" in defending itself. It is part of the Soumar group of cruise missiles, first unveiled in 2015 with a range of 700 kilometres, according to the minister. The Hoveizeh unveiling was part of an arms exhibition dubbed "40 years of defensive achievements" and held in Tehran. Friday marked the beginning of 10 days of celebrations of the Islamic revolution that ousted the pro-Western shah. On Thursday, thousands of Iranians had packed the mausoleum of the Islamic republic's founder Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. Iran has voluntarily limited the range of its missiles to 2,000 kilometres (1,250 miles), but this is still sufficient to reach Israel and Western bases in the Middle East. Washington and its allies have accused Tehran of pursuing enhanced missile capabilities that also threaten Europe. Iran has "no intention of increasing the range" of its missiles, the country's Supreme National Security Council secretary, Admiral Ali Shamkhani, said Tuesday. 'Purely defensive' Iran reined in most of its nuclear programme under a landmark 2015 deal with major powers but has kept up development of its ballistic missile technology. US President Donald Trump's administration pulled out of the nuclear accord in May and reimposed sanctions against Iran, citing the missile programme among its reasons. European governments have stuck by the 2015 agreement, although some have demanded an addition to address Iran's ballistic missile programme and its intervention in regional conflicts including Yemen. UN Security Council Resolution 2231 -- adopted just after the nuclear deal -- calls on Iran "not to undertake any activity related to ballistic missiles designed to be capable of delivering nuclear weapons". The US has repeatedly accused Iran of violating the resolution. But Tehran denies seeking any nuclear weapons capability, and insists that its missile development programme is "purely defensive" and compliant with the resolution. Iran's space programme has also been criticised by the West, with Washington charging that an abortive satellite launch in mid-January was cover for a bid to develop an intercontinental ballistic missile capability. Iran tried unsuccessfully to put a satellite into orbit on January 15 and plans to "vigorously carry on" and make a second attempt, Shamkhani said. Iran's newly-tested missile takes its name from a city in the southwestern province of Khuzestan that was devastated in the 1980-1988 war against Saddam Hussein's Iraq. Several Iranian cities were battered by missiles during the eight-year conflict in a bombing campaign dubbed the "war of the cities". Iranian officials say Western sanctions have starved its air force of spare parts and replacement aircraft, limiting its operational capacity and forcing it to rely on the missile programme. As Iranians marked the anniversary of the revolution, the US on Saturday lashed out at the country's leadership, insisting it had failed to make good on pledges to improve the lives of ordinary people. "When he returned to Iran in 1979, Ayatollah Khomeini made lots of promises to the Iranian people, including justice, freedom, and prosperity," the US State Department said on Twitter. "40 years later, Iran's ruling regime has broken all those promises."

Iran in 'successful test' of new cruise missile on revolution anniversary

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