TEHRAN, Feb. 4 (Xinhua) -- Iranian President Hassan Rouhani vowed Sunday to boost the Islamic republic's deterrent military power despite the pressure from the U.S. and its allies.

Iran will never seek others' permission to enforce its military capabilities and will continue its efforts to develop defense power within the framework of law and religious principles, Rouhani said at an opening ceremony for a defense museum.

"We should be ready to counter the threats against the nation," he said, adding that "our nation and officials will not negotiate with anyone to this end."

Rouhani stressed that Iran will continue to boost its defense power proportional to the potential threats to its security.

However, weapons of mass destruction have no place in Iran's military doctrine, he added.

The U.S. and its regional allies have repeatedly expressed concerns about Iran's missile program, threatening to take measures to deal with it. But Tehran rejects the charges, insisting that it is only for deterrent purposes.