Khamenei: They make extra mistakes and then say the Islamic Republic should not have defensive capabilities

On Sunday, April 30, the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic stated that "the opposing side, with audacity, constantly threatens Iran militarily," adding that "they make this extra mistake and then say the Islamic Republic should not have defensive capabilities." According to the state news agency IRNA, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in a meeting with army commanders, said, "Even if they did not explicitly make this threat, it was necessary for us to think... and be prepared." He also mentioned that after a period of silence from the opposing side, one of their officials recently spoke again about options on the table. "On one hand, they boast like this, and on the other hand, they say the Islamic Republic of Iran should stop its defensive advancements, which is foolish talk," he added. Khamenei emphasized that the Islamic Republic of Iran will never accept what he called "foolish" statements. He called for Iranian military forces to "increase their military and defensive readiness, combat organization, and mental preparedness" "day by day," adding that "this is an official directive." Khamenei's remarks come after Martin Dempsey, the Chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, warned Tehran that despite Moscow's decision to transfer the S-300 missile system to Iran, the military option to prevent Tehran from "acquiring nuclear weapons" remains on the table. Moscow's decision to provide the S-300 air defense system has faced negative reactions from the United States, with the U.S. Secretary of State discussing Washington's concerns with his Russian counterpart. Meanwhile, the European Union has also criticized Moscow's decision, warning that the transfer of the S-300 missile system to Iran could lead to instability in the region. Khamenei continued his remarks by stating that "they have raised the false myth of nuclear weapons to say that the Islamic Republic is a threat," adding, "No; the threat is the U.S. itself, which intervenes without any restraint, causing insecurity." He referred to the events in Yemen and U.S. support for Saudi bombings in Yemen as "examples of destabilizing behavior in the world." He stressed, "Today, these heartbreaking events in Yemen are ongoing, and the Americans support the oppressor." Khamenei reiterated that the Islamic Republic of Iran has emphasized that it does not seek nuclear weapons, based on religious commitments. Iranian officials have repeatedly stated that Ayatollah Khamenei, in a fatwa, has declared the production and use of nuclear weapons as "haram" (forbidden), and this is the "best guarantee" against any deviation in Iran's nuclear program. One day before Khamenei's remarks, Hossein Salami, the deputy commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, stated that any visit to Iranian military sites would be answered "with hot lead." This emphasis by Salami came after Ashton Carter, the U.S. Secretary of Defense, previously stated that any agreement with Iran would include oversight of Iran's facilities. Iran and the P5+1 group, after reaching a framework agreement in Lausanne, Switzerland, now have until July 1 to negotiate details and reach a comprehensive and final agreement regarding the Islamic Republic's nuclear program. The next round of nuclear talks between Iran and the P5+1 group is scheduled to take place on May 20 in Vienna, Austria.