Iran's military power "deterrent": official

TEHRAN, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- Iran's Defense Minister Brigadier General Ahmad Vahidi reiterated Sunday that the military power of the Islamic Republic is "deterrent" and "serves national and regional security," the semi-official Fars news agency reported.

"Despite the negative ploy and poisonous propaganda launched by the enemies, the deterrent power of the Islamic Republic of Iran in different aspects, including its missile equipment, serves as a means of attaining national and regional security," Vahidi was quoted as saying.

"The deterrent power of the Islamic Republic's missiles goes beyond the enemies' imagination," Vahidi told the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC)'s commanders.

He also warned against unidentified enemies' attempts to launch propaganda and psychological war against Iran, the report said.

In December, Iran successfully test-fired optimized version of home-made Sejil 2 missile with the range of 2,000 km, according to local English-language satellite Press TV.

Over the past years, Iran has made considerable progress in producing home-made multiple-range missiles.

The United States and other Western powers are skeptical about Iran's weaponry program, especially those of missiles which could possibly use nuclear materials. However, Tehran contends that its military and nuclear program is of defensive and peaceful component.