Iran’s Defense Plans Non-Negotiable: Spokesman

“Iran’s missile tests are conducted within the framework of the country’s defense policies, and Iran’s defense capabilities would by no means be negotiated or compromised on,” Bahram Qassemi said on Monday.

He made the comments in reaction to a statement by the Council of the European Union, which has expressed “concern with the regional military build-up, including Iran's missile program and calls upon Iran to refrain from activities which may deepen mistrust, such as ballistic missile tests, which are inconsistent with UNSCR 2231, and the statements associated with these.”

Iran and the Group 5+1 (Russia, China, the US, Britain, France and Germany) on July 14, 2015, signed the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), a 159-page agreement on Iran’s nuclear program. Afterwards, the 15-memebr United Nations Security Council passed a resolution that endorsed the deal.

Resolution 2231 calls upon Iran “not to undertake any activity related to ballistic missiles designed to be capable of delivering nuclear weapons.”

Iranian officials have time and again reiterated that none of the country’s missiles have been designed to be capable of carrying nuclear warheads, because nuclear weapons have basically no place in Iran’s defense doctrine.

Elsewhere in his comments, Qassemi highlighted the progress in collaboration between Iran and Europe in light of high-profile negotiations that have covered a broad range of issues, from energy to education.

However, he added, in order for Iran-EU ties to flourish, removal of the banking obstacles will be a key factor, which will result in the enhancement of trade and economic cooperation.

The spokesman further called for the EU’s “practical measures” to facilitate Iran’s membership in the World Trade Organization (WTO).