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Iran to Unveil Fighter Jet as It Boosts Missile Capability

Iran to Unveil Fighter Jet as It Boosts Missile Capability

(Bloomberg) -- Iran will unveil a new fighter jet this week as part of the nation’s plan to boost its defense capability, Defense Minister Brigadier General Amir Hatami said, in a show of force as the country faces bruising new U.S. sanctions.

Hatami spoke just two days after U.S. Secretary of State Michael Pompeo announced the creation of a group responsible for ramping up economic and political pressure on Iran now that President Donald Trump has withdrawn from the 2015 nuclear accord.

Development of “missile capabilities, considered as our defensive deterrent power, will remain Iran’s top priority despite crippling economic sanctions imposed by the U.S.,” Hatami was quoted as saying Saturday on state TV, state-run Mehr news agency reported. “If any country wants to threaten our security, it will receive a crushing response.”

The new equipment will be showcased on Wednesday when Iran marks National Defense Industry Day, Hatami said. Iran needs to increase its missiles’ “accuracy and functionality” in light of adversaries boosting their military programs, he said.

Earlier this month, Iran unveiled a new generation of missiles dubbed the “Fateh Mobin,” citing the need to protect the nation. Iran’s ballistic missile program is one reason the U.S. has given for quitting an international nuclear deal with Tehran and reimposing sanctions, beginning this month.

--With assistance from Golnar Motevalli.

To contact the reporter on this story: Ladane Nasseri in Dubai at lnasseri@bloomberg.net

To contact the editors responsible for this story: Alaa Shahine at asalha@bloomberg.net, Amy Teibel, Claudia Maedler

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