As has been the case for the past 300 years, Iran has not started wars, and our valiant armed forces have taken no offensive action except in self-defense. This was stated by Secretary of Iran's National Security Council Ali Larijani.

"We will decisively defend ourselves and our 6,000-year-old civilization, regardless of the cost, and will make our enemies regret their miscalculations. Iran is ready for a prolonged war, unlike America," he said.