This is an entry from: Live: Iran says it has never started a war but will respond forcefully to any attack on its territory

Iran says its armed forces emerged stronger from latest war

Iran’s acting Defence Minister Seyed Majid Ebn al-Reza says Tehran will resist any attack on the country’s territory, independence or security.

Addressing worshippers before Friday prayers in Tehran, Ebn al-Reza said Iran entered the “Ramadan War” significantly stronger than during the earlier 12-day conflict, state broadcaster IRIB reported.

He described the war as a “harsh test” that inflicted deaths and heavy losses but strengthened national confidence.

“This war showed that the Iranian nation can withstand all threats if it stands on its own feet, trusts its youth, puts science and technology at the forefront, and remains united,” he said.

Ebn al-Reza said Iran had sharpened its ability to penetrate “enemy bases, monitor regional movements and inflict heavier losses”, while developing more advanced tactics and technology.

“Iran’s defence power today is not for warmongering, but to prevent war and aggression,” he said.

“We have never initiated aggression against any country, and we never will,” he added.