Iran announces formation of National Defense Council
The new body will 'review defense plans and enhance the capabilities of the armed forces in a centralized manner,' state media reported, citing the Secretariat of the Supreme National Security Council.
The council will be chaired by President Masoud Pezeshkian and will bring together senior leadership from across Iran's government and military establishment. Its members will include the speaker of parliament, the head of the judiciary, top commanders from the armed forces, and select ministers from relevant ministries.
The council's creation was approved by the Supreme National Security Council, Iran's top security body, under Article 176 of the country's constitution.
Earlier on Sunday, Iranian army chief Amir Hatami said threats from Israel remain serious.
'A 1 percent threat must be perceived as a 100 percent threat. We should not underestimate the enemy and consider its threats as over,' Hatami said, according to the official IRNA news agency, adding that Iran's missile and drone power 'remains standing and ready for operations.'
In June, Israel and the United States launched strikes on Iranian territory, including on nuclear facilities, during what has been dubbed the 12-day war. Tehran responded with waves of missiles and drone attacks against Israel.
Last month, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz warned that his country would strike Iran again if threatened.
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