TEHRAN, April 18 (Xinhua) -- President Hassan Rouhani said here Thursday that the achievements of Iran's Armed Forces do not pose any threat to the regional states.
Iran's Armed Forces is the "protector of regional interests and will stand by the regional nations against the invaders," Rouhani made the remarks here in a ceremony marking Iran's Army Day.
The Iranian Armed Forces have become more powerful, he said, adding that Iran's territorial waters as well as those of its neighbors are safer than ever thanks to the Iranian Armed Forces' efforts.
He also slammed that Israel and the United States have never sought peace and security of the regional nations.
Besides, the U.S. military intervention in the Middle East, using its "proxy terrorist groups," has even resulted in "destruction, carnage and displacement of regional people."
Under such circumstances, it is necessary for regional nations to stand together. "Problems among the regional nations are caused by others," particularly the United States, Rouhani stressed.
He came up with examples in Afghanistan, Iraq and Syria, saying that the U.S. "crimes" in these countries have brought nothing to save misery and pain.
Faced with such threats and the U.S. "ominous role" in the region, the Iranian Armed Force, and particularly the Iranian Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC), have helped the regional nations, Rouhani said.
The Iranian president further touched upon the recent blacklisting of the IRGC by the United States and said designation of the IRGC as a "foreign terrorist organization" runs counter to international regulations.
Such a move by Washington is an insult to the Iranian nation and the Iranians will remain united with the IRGC since it has protected the nation's interests, he said.
"The U.S. path is wrong and the U.S. leaders are in delusions" over their move on the IRGC, President Rouhani added.
On Thursday, Iranian military units held a parade and showcased military achievements to celebrate Army Day.
Units from Iran Army's Ground Forces, Navy, Air Force and Iran's Khatam al-Anbiya Air Defense Base joined the parade.
Besides offensive missiles, S-300 anti-missile air defense systems, radars, submarines, armored vehicles, electronic warfare systems, and pilotless aircraft, the celebrations this year featured the aerial performance of domestically-built Kowsar and Saeqeh bombers.
According to the state TV, MiG-29, F-4 Phantom and F-14 Tomcat warplanes also took part in the parade.
Moreover, the maneuvers saw KC-747 and KC-707 aerial refueling tankers flying from bases situated in the Iranian cities of Tabriz, Tehran, Hamedan and Isfahan.
