Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad (2nd, R) and other guests review military parade in Tehran, capital of Iran, April 18, 2006. (Photo: Xinhua)

    TEHRAN, April 18 (Xinhua) -- The Iranian army will "cut off the hand of any aggressor,"  Iran's hardline President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad warned Tuesday during a military parade commemorating the Army Day.

    In a keynote speech at the parade, Ahmadinejad said that Iran'sarmed forces might get anything ready to "cut off the hand of any aggressor."

    The military parade was held at a time when Tehran has been under mounting international pressure over its suspected nuclear activities.

    The president said that Iran's military forces are among the world's most powerful armies, but the military has to be equipped with the most modern technology to respond to any aggression.

    "Iran's enemies know your courage, faith and commitment to Islam and the land of Iran has created a powerful army that can powerfully defend the political borders and the integrity of the Iranian nation and cut off the hands of any aggressor and place the sign of disgrace on their forehead," Ahmadinejad said.

    "The powerful army of the Islamic Republic of Iran is in the service of peace and security and is not a threat to anyone. But in the face of enemies, it is like a meteorite. It will cut off the hand of any aggressor and leave the enemy covered in shame,"he said.

    "We want peace, security and progress for all people, in particular countries of the region and our neighbors," the president said.

    On Monday, Iran vowed to keep on enriching uranium despite an international demand that it freeze its controversial nuclear program.

    The United States and Israel have accused Iran of using its civilian nuclear program as a cover to produce nuclear weapons.

    Iran has denied the charge, saying that its nuclear program is for peaceful purpose. Enditem

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