Iran’s ballistic missile program will not be impeded by US protests and the US cannot “do a damn thing” about it, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei declared.
“They [the US] have engaged in a lot of hue and cry over Iran’s missile capabilities, but they should know that this ballyhoo does not have any influence and they cannot do a damn thing,” Khamenei stated om Monday while addressing a graduation ceremony at Imam Hossein University in Tehran, the Iranian Fars news agency reported.
While war at this time was not likely, “Jihad [Muslim holy war] still exists,” he said of Iran’s efforts to develop missiles.
“Great Jihad means not abiding by the enemy whom we are fighting; not abiding by enemy in economy, politics, culture and art is the great Jihad,” he added.
The US’ supposed animosity towards Iran derives from Iran’s “opposition to the arrogant powers,” he said.
“In this war, willpowers are fighting. The stronger willpower will win,” Khamenei declared.
“The nuclear issue and missiles are excuses and of course excuses are useless and they can do no damn thing,” Khamenei said, adding “the point is Iran doesn’t follow arrogant powers.”
“The US and other powers are extremely sad at this issue and they have no other option; that is why they made huge efforts in order to bring the country’s decision-making and decision-taking centers under their control, but they failed and God willing, they will continue to fail,” the Supreme Leader added.
Iran has conducted several missile tests since the signing of the nuclear deal last July, apparently in breach of United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions.
The US and other countries have protested the tests, to no avail, but have refrained from taking actual steps against Iran, except Washington imposing sanctions against businesses and individuals linked to Iran’s missile program in January.
Iran has also threatened several times to annihilate Israel with its missiles.
Iranian officials have repeatedly stressed that the country will not hesitate to strengthen its military capabilities, including its missile power, which they say is meant for defense. They also insist that Iran’s defense capabilities will never be subject to negotiation, defying UN sanctions and protests by the international community.
By: United with Israel Staff