Iran rejects missile program talks with EU, warns of response to snapback mechanism

Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Esmail Baghaei has firmly stated that the Islamic Republic will never engage in negotiations over its defence and military capabilities.

During his weekly press briefing on January 20 morning, Baghaei responded to rumours suggesting possible negotiations between Iran and European nations concerning the country's missile program, Caliber.Az reports, referring to Iranian media.

"It is not uncommon for different parties to present their positions, but what must be clear is that Iran will never negotiate its defence and military capabilities under any circumstances," Baghaei emphasized.

Furthermore, Baghaei warned that Iran would respond proportionally if the so-called snapback mechanism were triggered.

He underscored that there would be no justification for Iran to remain committed to any agreements in such a scenario.

For the record, the snapback mechanism refers to a provision in the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) that allows for the reimposition of United Nations sanctions on Iran if it is determined to be in significant non-performance of its commitments under the agreement. 

To note, Iran has consistently maintained that its missile program is non-negotiable, asserting its right to pursue defence policies independently. In 2017 and 2018, Tehran dismissed reports of potential negotiations with the European Union over Iran's ballistic missile program, labelling them as "a psychological operation" by Israel. 

In December 2023, Iran responded to European claims regarding its Fattah-2 missile development by labelling them as misleading and politically motivated. Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman, Nasser Kanaani, emphasized that Iran's missile program is entirely for peaceful purposes and aligned with the nation's defence requirements.  

By Khagan Isayev