Iran launches military projects, strongly warns against any attack


TEHRAN, Aug. 23 (Xinhua) -- In the past two days, Iran launched a number of military projects and warned its enemies strongly against any attack on the country.
  On Monday, Iran opened the production lines of two home-made, high-speed assault boats, dubbed the Seraj (Lamp) high-speed boat and a new generation of the high-speed Zolfaghar (named after Shiite Imam Ali's sword) boat.
  According to the local satellite Press TV, the new version of Zolfaghar boat is capable of launching missiles and sailing at a speed of 70 knots (82 mph), and can operate in an average wave height of 1.21 meters while its missiles will effectively work at a height of 1.25 meters.

   Meanwhile, Iranian Defense Minister Brigadier General Ahmad Vahidi who had participated in the inaugural ceremony of the boats, said that the Seraj is a fast and offensive rocket launcher designed for regions with tropical weather, according to the official IRNA news agency.
   Vahidi said the boat enjoys high efficiency and maneuver power, adding that it is equipped with advanced electronic and telecommunications facilities.
  Both of the boats have been designed to conduct immediate strikes on enemy ships, he added.
   Vahidi said that the vessels would help strengthen Iran's defense capabilities and would be deployed to provide security to the Persian Gulf, the Sea of Oman and the Strait of Hormuz.
  The Islamic Republic of Iran, enjoying modern and complicated defense industries and its powerful and committed forces, is able to maintain the security of the Persian Gulf, the Sea of Oman and the Hormuz Strait at the highest possible level, he said.
  Besides, Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC)'s Navy Commander Rear Admiral Ali Fadavi said on the sidelines of the opening ceremony that Iran's IRGC is ranked first in terms of possessing the fastest missile-launching assault boats.
  "Iran is second to none in the world when it comes to high- speed missile-launching vessels," he was quoted as saying by Press TV.
   "American warships currently have a maximum speed of 31 knots while Iranian vessels can travel twice as fast," said Fadavi according to the report.
  Speed is a significant factor as far as vessels are concerned, he said, adding that the IRGC's Navy is capable of countering any aggression.
  In the day, Vahidi warned the enemies of the country, implying the United States and Israel, not to "play with fire" by attacking Iran.
  "We won't invade any country and we will extend our hand to all world states, but will give a hard and extensive response to any country willing to play with fire and making illogical actions against Iran," he was quoted as saying.
  In case of any attack, Iran's reaction to any kind of stupid acts will be unpredictable and "Iran's reaction to any kind of attacks by enemies will not be limited to a small region," he said according to IRNA.
  In August, the U.S. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Mike Mullen said the United States has a plan in place to attack Iran if it is necessary.
   "Military actions have been on the table and remain on the table" for curbing Iran's nuclear ambition, Mullen, the highest- ranking U.S. military officer, told NBC's "Meet the Press."
  The United States and Israelis have refused to rule out the possibility on launching unilateral military strike against Iran's nuclear facilities.
   Iranian military officials have dismissed the threats, saying Iran has prepared defensive plans to face any threats by the enemies.
  On Sunday, Iran's President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said Israel is "too weak to attack Iran," and will receive a crushing response if it launches a military strike against Iran.
  In the day, Ahmadinejad unveiled a home-made unmanned long- range, 4-meter-long bomber drone, dubbed Karrar, with the flight range of 1,000 km at a very high speed.
   "This jet has mainly the message of peace, friendship and dignity for humanity," and "it is also the messenger of death for (Iran's) enemies," Ahmadinejad said in a ceremony marking the country's Defense Industry Day at Tehran's Malek Ashtar University known for its military researches.
  Iranian defense minister said Friday that Iran has successfully test-fired a new surface-to-surface missile, Qiam, which has been equipped with new technical specifications and exceptional tactical powers.
  Iran has reiterated that its military capability enhancements have defensive and peaceful purposes.