Iran sets up new defense council in wake of war with Israel
PHOTO CAPTION: Illustrative photo — A drone is launched during a military exercise in an undisclosed location in Iran, in this handout image obtained on August 25, 2022. Iranian Army/WANA (West Asia News Agency)/Handout via REUTERS
DUBAI - Iran's top security body approved the establishment of a National Defence Council on Sunday, according to state media, following a short air war with Israel in June that was Iran's most acute military challenge since the 1980s war with Iraq.
"The new defence body will review defence plans and enhance the capabilities of Iran's armed forces in a centralised manner," the Supreme National Security Council's Secretariat was quoted as saying by state media.
The defence council will be chaired by Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, and consists of the heads of the three government branches, senior armed forces commanders, and relevant ministries.
On Sunday, the commander-in-chief of Iran's military, Amir Hatami, warned that threats from Israel persist and should not be underestimated.
(Reporting by Dubai Newsroom; Editing by Chris Reese // REUTERS)
