Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Commander Brigadier General Mohammad-Ali Jafari said in Tehran on Wednesday that it is possible for Iran to establish an independent headquarters of missiles, the semi-official Mehr news agency reported.

Forming of an independent commandership of missiles aims at strengthening the structure of the missile section, the report quoted Jafari as saying.

"We should not allow the basic spirit of success and victory to be diminished in Revolution Guards", Jafari said.

In order to face recent or potential threats, the revolution guards needs to be equipped and strengthened with the required technique, he added.

The announcement came amid reports that an armada of U.S. and European warships will be deployed in the Gulf in an unprecedented build-up.

The IRGC completed military maneuvers in the Gulf called Payambar-e Azam 3 (Great Prophet 3) in mid July to improve combat readiness and capability. Iran successfully test fired new long- and medium-range missiles in the drills.

Jafari said early this month that Iran has tested a new advanced naval weapon, which is "unique in the world" and can target the enemy at the range of 300 km.

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 U.S. charges and insists that its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes only.

The Bush administration said it focused on diplomacy to try to resolve Iran's nuclear issue, but insisted it will take "no option off the table."

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

(Xinhua News Agency August 28, 2008)