Spokesman: Missile Program Unchangeable Part of Iran’s Policies

“Stronger defense power will further protect the internal and regional security; therefore, it is natural that the country’s defensive missile program is among the Islamic Republic’s unchangeable policies and fortunately, strengthening the defense power has been clearly foreseen in the sixth development program and this year’s budget,” Nobakht told reporters in Tehran on Tuesday.

“Some world powers are attempting to display Iran’s defensive missile power as a concern for the neighboring states. I should stress that creating concern about Iran’s defense power will not lead to its confinement,” he added.

Asked about the possibility of Saudi Arabia’s attack against Iran, Nobakht said, “Saudi Arabia is not in a position to take such an action.”

His remarks came after Deputy Chief of Staff of Iran’s Armed Forces Brigadier General Massoud Jazzayeri lashed out at US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson for his comments against Tehran’s missile program, adding that it showed the American officials’ lack of understanding.

His comments came after Tillerson called on Iranian President Hassan Rouhani to end the country’s ballistic missile tests in what was Washington’s first reaction to his re-election.

“The US secretary of state’s expectations of the Iranian president indicate the US officials’ non-understanding of the Islamic Republic of Iran,” General Jazzayeri said in response on Sunday.

Stressing that the only way for the establishment of peace and tranquility in the region is the US withdrawal of its forces, he said that Iran is implementing its policies in a specified course of action and nothing can impede or stop it.

General Jazzayeri stressed that Iran will continue and accelerate its defense programs, including development of missile defense systems, as a priority.