Rouhani says Iran's military power not threat to region

Iran's "big military power" is not a threat to its neighbors and to the Middle East region, on the contrary, its mission is to help establish "peace and security" to the war-hit region, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said here on Saturday in a ceremony marking Iran's Army Day.

Aggression against the defenseless people of Yemen is not an honor for the army of the aggressors, Rouhani said alluding to the Saudi-led recent air raids against the targets of Shiite militant groups in the country.

Airstrikes against the children, women and the old people will only sow the hatred at the heart of people, he said, adding that the aggressors are better to extend hands of friendship and reconciliation to the nations in the region.

Iran's army have not threatened any country and will not do so, but it will protect the oppressed people, he stressed.

In the ceremony to mark Army Day, the army's units held parades and Iran's defense capabilities were showcased. Also, military attaches of some foreign countries in Iran attended the ceremony. Endit