Iranian First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref said the country is prepared to confront any threat and that its defense capabilities became stronger during the recent war. Speaking at a meeting with deputy ministers at the Ministry of Industry, Mine and Trade on July 28, he emphasized industrial modernization, artificial intelligence, and development of domestic technology-based industries.

Aref said the opposing side deliberately targeted Iran’s industrial sector during the recent conflict, but that the damage was overcome through rapid, high-quality reconstruction. He described recent wars as technology-driven and said Iran’s young scientists prevented the opponent from achieving its objectives despite the use of advanced capabilities.

He said Iran’s industrial policy since the Islamic Revolution has aimed to move from assembly-based production toward domestic knowledge-based industry, supported by research, development, and university-industry coordination. Aref also stressed expanding economic cooperation with neighboring countries and regional blocs, and called for a two-year strategic plan and practical solutions to challenges facing the automobile industry.