Iran proudly displayed its S-300 missile system during a military parade.

According to AFP, during the parade on Iran's Army Day (April 17), the country displayed components of the S-300 air defense missile system purchased from Russia.

Iran displays equipment that it claims is part of the new S-300 missile batteries it received from Russia. (Photo: Fars News Agency)

This move is likely to anger critics of the S-300 arms deal between Russia and Iran.

Images released by the semi-official ISNA news agency show S-300 missile launchers and radar equipment being displayed at a military parade held south of the capital Tehran.

Speaking at the ceremony, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani firmly asserted that Tehran's plans to upgrade its military capabilities were purely defensive, alluding to the worst conflicts in the Middle East.

Rouhani said: "Our military, political, and economic power is not directly directed against our neighbors and the countries of the Islamic world. When Baghdad was threatened by terrorism, the Islamic Republic of Iran responded to the call of the Iraqi people, army, and government to protect Baghdad and its holy sites."

In addition, he pointed out that similar actions were also being taken by Iran in Syria to provide military and financial support to the government of President Bashar al-Assad.

Iran firmly maintains that the S-300 system is necessary for its defense against attack threats, including potential bombings of Tehran's nuclear facilities, and emphasizes that the S-300 will help detect approaching enemy aircraft early.

According to VIETNAM+