TEHRAN, Iran: Iran on Monday said its missile programme is purely defensive and intended to safeguard the country’s sovereignty, rejecting suggestions that its military capabilities are open to negotiation.
“Iran’s missile programme was developed to defend Iran’s territory, not for negotiation,” foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said at a weekly press conference.
“Therefore, Iran’s defence capabilities, designed to deter aggressors from any thought of attacking Iran, are not a matter that could be talked about.”
Baghaei denounced what he called the West’s double standards, arguing that while Iran’s missile programme is labelled a threat, massive shipments of advanced weapons continue to flow to Israel.
He stressed that Iran’s Armed Forces are well-equipped to defend the country when necessary.
“Therefore, regardless of these malicious media campaigns, the Iranian nation, the Armed Forces, and all branches of the government will continue their path with a focus on their duties,” the spokesman pointed out.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to present President Donald Trump with options for US involvement in any new military operations during his planned visit to the United States later this month, NBC reported.
In the recent conflict, Israel targeted military sites, nuclear facilities, and residential areas, resulting in over 1,000 deaths. Iran, in turn, launched more than 50 missile strikes on Israeli territory, killing 28 people.
The US briefly joined Israel in striking Iran’s nuclear facilities before a ceasefire was declared.
