Iran says scaling back missile capabilities non-negotiable

The Islamic Republic of Iran has reaffirmed that it does not seek approval for its missile capabilities and will not scale them back.

Speaking at her weekly press briefing, Iranian Government Spokeswoman Fatemeh Mohajerani stressed that “the security of Iranian nation is non-negotiable” and that the government will not relinquish any diplomatic opportunities to secure the rights of its people, Caliber.Az reports per Iranian media. 

“The government is optimistic, but it has designed the most pessimistic scenarios for the activation of the snapback mechanism,” Mohajerani said. 

She described the mechanism as illegal and acknowledged its potential psychological and economic impact, adding that the government’s diplomatic apparatus is fully committed to preventing its activation, citing multiple trips by Foreign Minister Araghchi as evidence.

“We have never welcomed sanctions, but the government has been prepared for all eventualities from the start,” Mohajerani added.

“We neither seek permission for our missile capabilities nor will we reduce them. We will never trade the security of our people for anything, she said.

She credited the country’s missile power with protecting Iran during the recent 12-day conflict, alongside national unity.

Elsewhere in her remarks, Mohajerani confirmed that Iran’s enriched uranium remains secure and inaccessible, buried following recent attacks on the country’s nuclear infrastructure.

By Sabina Mammadli