Iran's army says it will boost defense capacity, ready to use force during deal period with US

TEHRAN, Iran — Iran's army will strengthen its defense capabilities during a period of agreement with the United States and is prepared to use force if necessary, army spokesman Brigadier General Mohammad Akrami Nia said. Akrami Nia said Iran's military would expand and reinforce its capabilities during the deal period, adding that if the other side violates the terms of the agreement, the Iranian army is ready to rapidly return the region to a pre-deal state of war. The spokesman said Iran would support any memorandum and agreement that secures the interests of the Iranian people, adding that the enemy's compliance with its commitments can only be achieved through the use of force. Akrami Nia said Iran would maintain a high level of readiness to compel the other side to abide by the terms of the deal. Iran and the United States announced on Monday that the signing of the memorandum is scheduled for June 19 in Switzerland.