TEHRAN- The commander of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC), credited the country's challenging experiences in warfare, cyber threats, and pandemics with forging a powerful and modern armed force.

Speaking at a joint drill, Major General Hossein Salami referenced the Iran-Iraq War -locally known as the Sacred Defense- as a catalyst for developing the IRGC's naval, air, and ground branches. 

He emphasized the continuous struggles faced since the Iranian Revolution, including proxy wars, cultural invasions, and internal unrest.

"These confrontations have shaped our armed forces into a powerful entity in all domains," General Salami stated, adding that Iran has focused on countering global superpowers and intelligence services to protect its interests and ideals.

He highlighted advancements in cyber and electronic warfare capabilities, driven by the need to counter major threats stressing the importance of continued modernization, emphasizing that the country's armed forces must be "second to none" in protecting national figures and airspace. 

He also acknowledged the IRGC's role in non-military contexts, citing its involvement in the COVID-19 response. "Just as we strive for modernity in tactics, techniques, and defense equipment, we do the same in the field of health," the general concluded.