TEHRAN -- Chief commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Major General Hussein Salami on Monday warned Saudi Arabia about the price the kingdom would have to pay if it continues to sponsor an aggressive anti-Iran propaganda campaign.
Gen. Salami said the Saudis are trying to “deceive Iranian youths by some media”, apparently referring to London-based Iran International television channel which has been playing a key role in stoking riots in the Islamic Republic along with other Farsi-speaking media based outside Iran such the BBC Persian, Manoto TV, and the VOA.
“I warn the Al Saud regime to control their media or the smoke will go in your eyes,” he said, using a Persian saying warning of the consequences of a malevolent act.
“This is our last warning, because you are interfering in our internal affairs through these media, we told you, be careful,” added Gen. Salami.
The top general said, “We are a brother of any country and power that is interacting with us properly. We call on our neighbors to resolve their problems through interaction and non-military approaches.”
“We have interests in the region, and if any change takes place in any part of the region and our interests are threatened, then we will not remain passive and will defend our national interests,” the IRGC chief added.
He made the remarks on the sidelines of a military exercise that IRGC ground force launched near the Aras river in northwest Iran.
According to IRGC Ground Force chief Brigadier General Muhammad Pakpour, heliborne parachute operations, night raid operations, helicopter combat operations, and suicide drone operations are to be carried out during the three-day exercises.
Construction of a temporary bridge over the Aras river, seizure and control of supply roads and heights, and offensives as well as destructive operations against designated targets constitute other parts of the drill, Pakpour added.
He said while the military exercise conveys the message of peace, friendship and lasting security to neighboring countries, it represents a potential tough response to the enemies.