French FM Aware of Iran’s Stances: Velayati
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – The French foreign minister has been reminded by the Iranian officials that he could not force Tehran to accept anything against its interests, ex-Iranian foreign minister Ali Akbar Velayati said.
Asked about French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian’s visit to Iran, Velayati told reporters on Tuesday that the Iranian diplomatic officials have definitely made the country’s policies clear to the French minister.
Mr. Le Drian has become confident that his visit to Iran would not result in anything against the Iranian interests, Velayati added.
He further underlined that Iran will never bow to pressure or language of force, although the US is seeking limitations on the country's defense power.
Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei has on various occasions emphasized the necessity for incessant progress of the Iranian Armed Forces irrespective of political developments.
In September 2016, during a visit to an exhibition of the Defense Ministry’s achievements in Tehran, Ayatollah Khamenei said Iran has “an inalienable and absolute right” to reinforce its defensive and offensive power.
And in May 2017, Ayatollah Khamenei described enhancing “the Islamic Establishment’s deterrent power” as a grand policy that prevents international bullies from thinking about any assault against Iran.
