Key facts
- Iran's acting defense minister, Brigadier General Seyed Majid Ibn al-Reza, stated defense production is more active.
- He claimed Iranian defense technologies are more advanced and experts' will has strengthened.
- The minister said sanctions and recent conflicts accelerated Iran's defense technological capabilities.
- He described recent wars as a turning point for Iran's advanced technology approach.
- Netanyahu and Trump held 'positive and productive' talks, according to the White House.
- Iran rejected a plan concerning frozen funds and warned ships about transiting the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran's acting defense minister, Brigadier General Seyed Majid Ibn al-Reza, asserted that the nation's defense manufacturing lines are currently more active than in the past. He stated that production lines are operating at a higher capacity, technologies have become more advanced, and the determination of Iranian experts and scientists to shape the country's defense future has intensified. These comments, carried by the Mehr news agency, directly counter claims made by U.S. President Donald Trump suggesting that American attacks have weakened Iran's military defenses.
Speaking at a joint meeting with members of the Iranian Parliament's Education, Research and Technology Commission, Ebnolreza elaborated that years of sanctions and recent military conflicts have accelerated Iran's defense technological capabilities. He described the U.S.-Israeli wars over the past year as a pivotal moment for Iran's adoption of advanced technology. According to Ebnolreza, Iranian specialists encountered sophisticated military technologies during both a 12-day war in 2025 and a 40-day war in 2026, where adversaries utilized capabilities from leading global technology firms. He credited the defense industry as a crucial element of Iran's national power and deterrence, emphasizing that technological superiority is vital for overcoming geographical disadvantages.
Ebnolreza also noted that much of Iran's defense infrastructure was established under the guidance of Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei and through the work of young experts and knowledge-based companies. He added that damaged capabilities were rapidly restored, and new technological and tactical innovations introduced during conflicts caught adversaries by surprise. He further stated that major technological powers have acknowledged the scientific prowess and rapid learning capacity of Iranian experts.
In parallel developments, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held talks with U.S. President Donald Trump, which the White House characterized as "positive and productive." During this period, Iran rejected a plan concerning frozen funds and issued a warning to ships regarding transit through the Strait of Hormuz, with Deputy Foreign Minister Gharibabadi affirming Tehran's intent to take "any action" to maintain control of the waterway and stating no plans for negotiation with Washington.