Iran Denies Reports on Accepting Talks on Tehran Missile Program
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Iran’s Foreign Ministry strongly denied a media report that Tehran has agreed to hold talks with Europeans on its missile program, reiterating that the country’s missile power will never be up for negotiations.
In comments on Wednesday, Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Bahram Qassemi denied a report published by the Financial Times alleging that Iran has agreed to enter talks with the European parties to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) on its missile program.
“The Islamic Republic of Iran will not allow any country to interfere in its internal affairs and defense policies, particularly its missile program,” Qassemi underlined.
It came after the FT newspaper quoted the German Foreign Ministry as saying that the German, French and British foreign ministers -together with EU Foreign Policy Chief Federica Mogherini- have agreed with Iran to hold an “intensive and very serious dialogue” on Tehran’s missile program and regional influence.
In response, Qassemi said Iran’s policies remain unchanged irrespective of the US threats, stances and propaganda campaign, adding, “As mentioned several times, Iran’s missile program is exclusively for defense and deterrence.”
Highlighting Iran’s constructive and stabilizing policies that contribute to regional peace and security, the spokesperson said the enemies and extremists could not ignore Iran’s role in the war against terrorism.
In comments in October 2017, Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei categorically rejected the idea of negotiations on Iran’s defense power, stressing that the country will press ahead with the plans to boost its might and build up its defense capabilities.
“As we have announced several times in the past and announce it once again, the country’s defense capabilities and power are not subject to negotiations and bargaining,” Ayatollah Khamenei had announced in a graduation ceremony of Army cadets.
