TEHRAN, Aug 19: Iranian armed forces held a massive military manoeuvre on Saturday to test new weapons and tactics against a potential enemy, state television reported.

The first stage of ‘Zolfaghar Blow’ commenced in Sistan-Baluchestan. The manoeuvres will continue in 15 other provinces.

The army’s chief commander said the country should be ready for possible attacks by the United States and Israel.

“The enemy has gone insane because of the capabilities of Lebanon’s Hezbollah. And given the insane enemy’s history, we should always be prepared,” Maj-Gen Ataollah Salehi was quoted as saying by IRNA.

“The main objective of this operation is to adopt up-to-date tactics and use new equipment to be able to respond to possible threats, enabling us to confront the enemy in several fronts in the country,” Brig-Gen Kiumars Heydari said.

According to the report, the manoeuvre tests a new anti-aircraft strategy to “make the air space insecure for the enemy,” while using different types of helicopters, fighter planes and land forces warfare. “We have been alert and watching the world’s developments and we have invested in both modern tactics and equipment,” Brig-Gen Heydari said.—AFP