Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian told military commanders that regional countries now recognize the United States’ military presence in the Gulf has failed to guarantee long-term security. He described reliance on the US for security as an unrealistic and ineffective idea, according to a statement from the president’s office.

The statement added that Pezeshkian called for modernization of Iran’s defense infrastructure and warned that adversaries have acquired new technologies and equipment, complicating the current security environment. He urged the armed forces to work more closely with universities, scientific centers, and knowledge-based institutions to achieve technological superiority and strengthen defense capabilities.

Pezeshkian also thanked the military for maintaining professionalism and staying away from political and partisan influence, calling this commitment to national interests a valuable asset for the country.