Iran to launch first cyber command

A senior Iranian military commander has announced plans to establish its first cyber command for the country's Armed Forces in order to counter 'soft warfare' against the Islamic Republic, Press TV reports.

Deputy Head of Iran's Armed Forces Joint Chiefs of Staff Brigadier General Masoud Jazayeri told reporters on Tuesday that comprehensive studies on the cyber command have already been carried out and the results will soon be rendered to the Iranian Armed Forces, IRNA reported.

The Iranian commander also emphasized that Iran's military forces must be equipped with state-of-the-art technology when it comes to soft warfare.

The remarks come as the Obama administration is actively engaged in the process of establishing a “shadow” internet and mobile phone systems throughout the world.

According to The New York Times, the American covert projects include the creation of independent cellphone networks in foreign countries, as well as the “Internet in a suitcase” program.

The establishment of independent cellphone networks would enable political dissidents to communicate outside the reach of governments in countries like Iran and Syria, according to the report.