TEHRAN -- Foreign military attaches stationed in Tehran play a vital role in establishing peace and stability in the region, said Army Commander Major General Mohammad Salimi in a gathering of foreign military attaches in Iran during the ceremonies marking the Ten-Day Dawn on the occasion of the victory of the Islamic Revolution in Iran.

The Iranian nation's exclamation for peace and stability and its reputation in hospitality direct us toward extending aid to your missions to successfully carry out your missions that will in turn bring about peace, stability and security for the region and the entire world, said the commander.

He noted that due to Iran's sensitive and important geographical position the country has never been safe vis-a-vis regional or international tensions. He added that today the unorthodox ways of our neighbor, on the one hand, and the expansionist policies of extra-regional powers, on the other hand, are leading the region toward excessive tension that could ultimately result in great human and economic losses.

The Middle East has always been a target of the covetous desire of foreigners and just shortly after the Iraqi-imposed war on Iran our southern neighbors faced a regional crisis with international repercussions. In no time our northern borders and then our eastern and northeastern borders became focal points of regional and global attention, noted the army commander.

Gen. Salimi went on to say the regional situation, foreign political developments and military movement beyond our western borders forced us to be prepared at all times for the seemingly endless turn of events.

In order to maintain a lasting peace we needed to constantly keep prepared and strengthen our forces with latest equipment to enhance our power to defend the country, he said.

The Iranian forces have real war skills and valuable experience, he said, warning that now the Iranian Armed Forces are ready to defend the county at sea, on land and in the air and sacrifice their lives to safeguard the country.

The Iranian Army is fully prepared and on the alert closely watching regional developments and will destroy any hostile force regardless of the aggressors identity, position or rank.