Iranian army started large military exercices Khatam ol-Anbia in the southwestern province 1003131.

Defence News - Iran

"All the units stationed in Southwestern Iran, including the mechanized, armored and artillery units, are present in the exercises," the Ground Force Commander explained.

Iranian officials and commanders said that all military exercises and trainings of the Iranian Armed Forces are merely meant to serve deterrent purposes.

In similar remarks in February, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said military power and achievements of the Iranian Armed Forces merely serve deterrent purposes.

"I am sure that the military power of the Iranian nation is not for attacking or dominating any other country, rather it is meant to be a deterrent factor," President Ahmadinejad said, addressing a ceremony to unveil a new Iran-made fighter jet, named Qaher 313.

"The military power of the Iranian nation is a demonstration of the faith and maturity of the Iranian nation which can defend itself at the lowest costs," Ahmadinejad stated.

At the same time, Iranian armed forces will test new equipments in the upcoming drills.

"The new systems produced by the defense industries (organization) have been supplied to the Ground Force and these systems will be tested in the next wargames," Commander of the Iranian Army Ground Force Brigadier General Ahmad Reza Pourdastan told reporters on Sunday.