Commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps says IRGC's combat capability has grown tenfold in East and West Azarbaijan and Ardebil provinces since the final years of Iran-Iraq war (1980-88). Brigadier General Yahya Rahim-Safavi on Thursday said IRGC forces in the area possess a high defensive and restrictive power. "IRGC units have attained self-sufficiency and enhanced their capabilities in fighting land, missile, air and asymmetric wars. They are well capable of fighting back," he said. "Currently there is a high level of cooperation and coordination between IRGC and Basij volunteer forces on the one hand, and between them and the public on the other," the commander noted.
Rahim-Safavi pointed to the sensitive and complicated situation in the region and went on, "Our foreign enemies have united. The Americans are now out to win over European and Arab countries in the fight against Iran." He then referred to efforts to deprive Iran of its lawful right to access nuclear technology. The commander said he believed the U.S. is garnering support for a resolution that would portray Iran as a threat to regional security.
