Iran will not stop at closing Strait of Hormuz to repel threats: IRGC commander

05 July 2011 | 18:26 Code : 14376 Latest Headlines
 TEHRANTIMES - Islamic Revolution Guards Corps Commander Mohammad Ali Jafari has said that Iran will not restrict itself to closing the Strait of Hormuz if the country is threatened. 

Closing the Strait of Hormuz is on Iran’s agenda in special circumstances and in the event the country is threatened, Major General Jafari told the Mehr News Agency in an interview published on Monday. 

“Due to the strategic location of the Strait of Hormuz, the issue is always on our agenda. Besides, we have not restricted ourselves to this and have not stopped at this point,” Jafari stated. 

He added, “Currently, we are seeking to utilize our defensive capabilities in open seas. And it means that if the enemy plans to pose a threat to the Islamic Republic of Iran from outside the Strait of Hormuz, (Iran) is capable of taking reciprocal action, and this strategy is currently on our agenda.” 

Cyber Army fully prepared to address cyber threats 

Elsewhere in his remarks, Jafari stated that the Iranian Cyber Army is in full preparedness to counter any possible cyber threats against the Islamic Republic. 

If the enemy commits any act of cyber warfare against Iran, the country will take retaliatory measures, he said. 

The IRGC commander also stated, “(The nature of) the IRGC’s mission in all spheres, including the military and cultural spheres, is defensive,” and the IRGC will carry out defensive operations in cyber warfare as well. 

Enemies plotting to assassinate Iranian scientists 

Jafari also announced that the IRGC has obtained information about some new plots to assassinate Iranian scientists. 

It seems the plans that Iran’s enemies had previously drawn up have failed, and they are now resorting to plots to physically eliminate the country’s scientific figures and terrorist actions with the aim of undermining security in the Islamic Republic, he added. 

However, Iran’s security and intelligence apparatus, in cooperation with officials in other government institutions, will be able to scuttle such plans through vigilance, Jafari stated