Iran’s acting Defence Minister Majid Ibn Reza says the country will not stop strengthening its defensive capabilities, Al Jazeera reports, citing Iranian state media.

“Our mission at the defence ministry is to build power for Iran, safeguard the security of the nation and develop defensive capabilities that deter the enemy from any miscalculation or designs against this land,” he was quoted as saying.

Ibn Reza said national unity is “the most important part of our defensive power”, adding that if an enemy targets Iran, it will face “a united nation”.

“We will spare no effort or sacrifice to achieve a strong Iran,” he said. “We pledge that as long as this mission rests on our shoulders, we will not leave the trench.”