In this photo provided on Jan. 25, 2019, by the Iranian Army, soldiers take position in an infantry drill in the central Isfahan province, Iran. (Iranian Army via AP)
TEHRAN, Jan. 27 (Xinhua) -- Iran may adopt offensive military approaches to protect its interests, Chairman of the Chiefs of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces, Mohammad Baqeri, said on Sunday.
While continuing to adhere to its broad doctrine of defense, the Iranian military forces would adopt offensive tactics when necessary, Baqeri was quoted as saying by Press TV.
"Among the country's broad strategies, there is a defensive strategy. We defend the independence and territorial integrity and national interests of the country," Baqeri said.
"However, this does not mean that we would be acting exclusively defensively and passively in our operational level and tactical approaches," he added.
Iran does not have any intention of seizing foreign territory or harming foreign interests, but "to protect our national achievements and interests, we may adopt an offensive approach," he stressed.
Besides, Commander of the Iranian Army Ground Force Brigadier General, Kiomars Heidari, said his forces have turned into a "forward-moving and offensive" force.
"To protect Iran, the armed forces no longer need asymmetric approaches, and we are at a stage where we can defend our homeland ... by using good offensive approaches," the Iranian commander added.
On Saturday, Iranian Army Ground Force concluded a two-day large-scale military drills in the central country seeking to practice offensive tactics.
