Threats and sanctions will not stop missile programme, says IRGC chief Ahmad Vahidi

The chief of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), Ahmad Vahidi, has said the country's missile development programme will continue despite threats and sanctions.

He made the remarks in a message marking Space Day. The message was published by the Iranian news outlet Tasnim. In it, he paid tribute to Hassan Tehrani Moghaddam, known as the founder of Iran's ballistic missile programme.

Addressing members of the IRGC's Aerospace Force, Ahmad Vahidi said that with the same spirit they are still building the country's strength inside mountains and deep underground.

He added that the enemies must understand that the path of the martyred Tehrani Moghaddam cannot be stopped by threats or sanctions. This journey, he said, will continue through blood and faith.

In the message, Vahidi also paid tribute to former IRGC aerospace commander Amir Ali Hajizadeh and Mahmoud Bagheri. At the same time, he called on members to further strengthen Iran's military capability.