Iran has launched a production line for superior "Quick Reaction" tanks as part of the country's campaign for self-sufficiency in defense, Iran's English-language Press TV said on Monday.

Iran has successfully started the production of a "Quick Reaction" tank named "Tosan", Head of the self-sufficiency unit of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) ground forces, Colonel Nasser Arab-Beigi was quoted as saying.

"Military equipment needs to be upgraded in accordance with the latest developments in global technology," said Arab-Beigi, adding that the current situation calls for a significant enhancement of the country's defense capacity.

The self-sufficiency unit is also working on projects to enhance passive defense systems and secure the country's military sites, he said.

He also warned that every enemy move in the Gulf and on Iranian borderlines is under the full surveillance of the IRGC forces.

The United States and its allies have accused Iran of trying to develop nuclear weapons under the cover of a civilian nuclear program. Iran has denied the charges, insisting that its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes only.

The administration of US President George W. Bush has said it focused on diplomacy to try to resolve Iran's nuclear issue, but also proclaimed it will take "no option off the table."

Some observers believe it is possible that the United States and Israel would attack Iranian targets over Tehran's suspicious nuclear program.

The New York Times has reported recently that US military believed a major military exercise by Israel in early June was a rehearsal for a potential bombing attack on Iran's nuclear sites.

(Xinhua News Agency July 1, 2008)