Iran vows 'strong' response to any US action against IRGC

The Iranian Armed Forces, including the IRGC, are the symbol of power and defenders of security and are supported by the Iranian government and nation, an informed source at Iran’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Friday.

The statement came a few hours before US President Donald Trump is expected to deliver a speech to criticize the nuclear agreement, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), signed between Iran and the P5+1 group of countries more than two years ago, PressTV reported.

“Any move against the Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran, including the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps, will be met with Iran’s fitting and strong response,” the statement added.

It emphasized that Iran’s core policy is to support regional peace and stability and confront any destabilizing and divisive measures aimed at creating tensions and conflicts in the region. The statement added that a resolute fight against terrorist groups such as Daesh was among the Islamic Republic’s main priorities.

“This is while, the US policies, particularly the country’s support for terrorist groups and repressive regimes, are among the main factors behind instability in the region. The US cannot shirk its responsibility by leveling accusations against others and it must answer for its wrong policies,” it said.

According to the statement, the US support for Israel and other "repressive" regimes in the region over the recent decades has caused war and conflicts on one hand and created "the ominous phenomenon of terrorism" on the other.

The source warned the US that the continuation of its policy would be a “historic strategic mistake” and deal a heavy blow to the region and the entire world.

Iran to boost defense power

The statement reiterated the defensive and deterrent nature of Iran’s missile program and said the country’s missile capabilities have so far played an “effective” role in improving regional peace and stability.

“The Islamic Republic of Iran is serious to maintain and boost its defensive and security capabilities, and in so doing, will only pay heed to its national security considerations and the interest of the Iranian people,” the Foreign Ministry statement pointed out.

Iran’s core and constant policy is to counter weapons of mass destruction across the world and take steps towards global disarmament, it said, adding that such a policy serves as the basis for the landmark nuclear deal.

It emphasized that the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), as the only authorized supervisory body, has so far verified Iran’s compliance with the JCPOA in eight reports, saying Washington’s lack of commitment to its obligations and its repeated violation of the deal’s “spirit and letter" were evident.

Iran has a “very broad” range of options for any breach of the JCPOA and would “end all its commitments in this regard if deemed necessary,” the source added.

The deal, agreed between Iran and the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council -- the United States, France, Britain, China and Russia – plus Germany lifts economic sanctions imposed in 2005 in exchange for curbs to Tehran's nuclear program. It was later endorsed by UN Security Council Resolution 2231.

Trump has called the deal an “embarrassment” to the US, and is expected to refuse to certify Iran’s commitment to the deal during a White House speech later on Friday.

If Trump refuses to certify the agreement, the US Congress will have 60 days to decide whether to restore the anti-Iran sanctions Washington has agreed to waive.

The source also pointed to political differences between Iran and the US on many regional and international issues and said, “The main reason behind the US rulers’ hostility towards Leader of the Islamic Revolution [Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei] is his anti-hegemony [stance] and explicit opposition to the US administration’s regional and global policies... that resulted in nothing but bloodshed and misery for world nations.”

The statement also advised the new US statesmen not to forget “lessons” of the past four decades.

Despite the US hostile policies against Iran, including threats and sanctions, the Iranian nation has continued its patch to achieve independence and justice, it said.