Recent statements by U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates revealed the "perverse" Washington's goals in the region, Iranian Defense Minister, Brigadier-General Ahmad Vahidi said, IRNA news agency reported.
Vahidi said that Gates's comments about the alleged Iranian missile threat to the region revealed the intention of Washington to create tension and sow discord among regional states.
Gates has recently paid a visit to the Gulf countries. His goal was to enlist their support in the policy against Iran.
"U.S. efforts to discord among regional states and its statements of support for Tehran's Taliban movement in Afghanistan stems from the fear of Washington to establish friendly ties between Iran and the Gulf countries," Vahidi said.
He added that such a policy is outdated and no longer reliable.
Minister confirmed that the military might of Iran is intended solely to maintain regional peace and stability.
