TEHRAN - Armed Forces Chief of Staff Mohammad Hossein Baqeri said on Saturday that the armed forces “are ready more than ever” to defend the country.

However, he said Iran will never initiate a war against any country.

Pointing to military parades held in various cities in Iran on Saturday, Baqeri said that the armed forces showed their power to the people.

The senior general also noted that the armed forces have been able to build defense equipment which is a “source of pride”.

NA/PA