Zarif: Iran not to hesitate in reinforcing defense capabilities

Zarif made the remarks in his press conference with French counterpart Jean-Marc Ayrault on Monday.

In response to the question over the claims of some Western media and officials in regard to Iran’s recent ballistic missile tests, Zarif said after the implementation of JCPOA, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and other parties participating in nuclear negotiations reaffirmed Iran’s commitment to its obligations according to the nuclear deal signed last year, however, the other sides, especially the US, unfortunately broke their promises.

To date, he added, we have managed to implement JCPOA to a large extent in spite of America’s sabotage, but some measures of the opposite side hinders full implementation of JCPOA.

Stating that all parties involved in the negotiations have acknowledged that Iran’s missile program has nothing to do with JCPOA, Zarif said France and US previous governments had officially approved the issue.

He also warned cautioned the US against politicizing the Islamic Republic’s legitimate efforts for reinforcing defense capabilities; we hope that the issue of Iran’s defense program does not turn into a pretext for political games.”

According to Resolution 2231, ballistic missiles capable of delivering nuclear warheads are prohibited, Zarif pointed out, adding Iran has repeatedly made clear that none of its ballistic missiles is designed to carry nuclear warheads and are only capable of carrying conventional warheads to be used only in legitimate defense.

Zarif underlined that Iran has paid the highest costs for international terrorism and external aggressions; the Iranian people do not need others’ permission and are not dependent upon others to defend themselves, he emphasized.