Iran says missile program non-negotiable, denies report

In a Friday statement, Bahram Ghasemi stressed that the Islamic Republic of Iran has repeatedly and openly announced its stance on the matter in diplomatic meetings with foreign officials, including the interviews and talks held by Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif during his recent visit to New York.

Iran has already emphasized the non-negotiability of its defensive program and stressed that it does not violate the UN Security Council Resolution 2231, he added.

Ghasemi further mentioned that Iran believes its missile defense program is an absolute right, and Tehran would certainly continue the plan within the framework of its conventional and pre-determined defensive programs and strategies.

He further reaffirmed that the foreign minister of Iran, on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, has touched upon this case during all his private meetings and talks, as well as his interviews with the international media.

Reuters report claimed on Friday, quoting Iranian and Western officials familiar with the overtures, that Iran has suggested to six world powers that it may be open to talks about its missile program aimed at reducing tension over the disputed program. US and Western officials did not confirm the matter was discussed at the Zarif-Tillerson meeting.