Iranian FM Advisor: Iran’s Missile Capabilities Are Internal Matter, Non-Negotiable

Mokhtar Haddad

The visit by the French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian to the Iranian capital Tehran on Monday marked a historical milestone in relations between the two countries, especially after some of Paris's recent positions which were consistent with that of the United States following the foreign ministry's announcement that Le Drian would discuss Iran's missile capabilities, the nuclear dossier and regional issues.

In Tehran, France's top diplomat heard a strong response from senior officials of the Islamic Republic of Iran that the latter would not back down from its legitimate rights, especially in the field of defense.

The decision by the Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, Admiral Ali Shamkhani, to wear his uniform during the meeting with the French foreign minister was regarded by many as a message stating that no foreign party was allowed to interfere in Iranian politics, especially the defense file - a legitimate right of the Islamic Republic.

Commenting on the visit, the advisor to the Iranian Foreign Minister Dr. Hussein Sheikh al-Islam told al-Ahed News website that "we censure France for not standing up to America and Washington's dangerous positions regarding world peace."

"Those who signed the nuclear deal did not confront Washington's measures against the agreement. This will damage the interests of the French people," he added.

"They are exploiting the weakness of France in this matter to pressure the Islamic Republic of Iran. We reject such measures. We do not allow anyone to decide for us. We take our decisions and preserve our national interests. We do not give in to any pressures," he said. "Iran's defense issues are an internal affair. We will not conduct any negotiations regarding these issues. We are the ones who decide on Iran's missile capabilities and our regional files. And they are not entitled to interfere in them."
"If America leaves the nuclear agreement, we will also leave it," the Iranian official explained.

It should be noted that Le Drian's visit was planned for months. It comes in preparation for the visit of French President Emmanuel Macron to Tehran in the next few months.

Source: Al-Ahed News