Tehran, Iran – Iran asserted on Monday that its missile program is purely defensive in nature and not subject to negotiation. This comes amidst conflicting reports in Iranian media regarding missile drills or tests conducted in several cities.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei stated during a press conference that “Iran’s defense capabilities are designed to deter any aggression and prevent any thought of launching an attack on the country.” He emphasized that these capabilities are “non-negotiable and not open to discussion under any circumstances.” He added that the missile program does not violate Iran’s international obligations. He asserted that raising this issue is part of ongoing political pressure.
In a related context, Baqai condemned the recent US actions against Venezuelan commercial vessels, describing them as a “violation of international law that will have repercussions for international peace and security.” He affirmed that Tehran “will respond in the manner it deems appropriate” to any aggression or transgression against its national interests.
Conflicting reports about missile maneuvers
In parallel with these statements, Iranian media reported missile drills conducted on Monday in several cities, the second such exercise this month. Nour News channel posted videos on Telegram showing what appeared to be missile launches, without specifying the locations. Reports indicated Tehran, Isfahan, and Mashhad.
However, Mehr News Agency later quoted informed sources denying that any missile tests had taken place. It explained that the circulated footage showed “aircraft flying at high altitudes.”
Western powers consider Iran’s ballistic missile arsenal a threat to the stability of the Middle East. They view it as a potential delivery system for nuclear weapons, a claim Tehran denies, asserting that it is not seeking nuclear weapons.
Israeli concerns and American warnings
In this context, the American news website Axios quoted Israeli and American sources as saying that Tel Aviv warned of the possibility that the Revolutionary Guard’s maneuvers could be used as cover for a potential attack. Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi stated that his country does not rule out the possibility of a US attack or a broader operation.
Axios noted that the greatest risk lies in a confrontation erupting due to miscalculation by one side. This comes amid escalating regional tensions and fears of an uncontrolled slide into war.
