Leader's Top Aide:

Europe, US Not Allowed to Interfere in Iran's Defense Issues

Rasa - Iranian Supreme Leader's top adviser for international affairs Ali Akbar Velayati underscored that his country does not allow the US or Europe to meddle with its defense issues, and stressed Tehran's continue support for its allies in the region.

News ID: 433312

Date: 21 October 2017 - 22:34

RNA - "Our missile issues are related to the Islamic Republic's decision and we don’t take permission from anyone to defend ourselves; we will use more advanced defensive possibilities to defend ourselves and it is among our redlines," Velayati told reporters in Tehran on Saturday.

"The Europeans, like the Americans, are not entitled to interfere in our defense issues and our presence in the region. Naturally, Iran defends its allies, including Syria, Iraq, Lebanon and Palestine," he added.

Noting that implementation of the 2015 nuclear deal shouldn’t be conditioned on any prerequisites, specially strategic issues, Velayati reiterated that Iran's defense and missile capabilities are no way related to the foreigners.

He also underscored that Iran is entitled to be present in the region given the fact that it is one of the regional states.

In relevant remarks earlier today, Deputy Chief of Staff and Spokesman of Iran's Armed Forces Brigadier General Massoud Jazzayeri warned European states to avoid meddling with his country's missile program and presence in the region.

"As the Islamic Republic of Iran has stated before, it does not accept to negotiate over its missile issues," General Jazzayeri said on Saturday.

"We, as the Armed Forces, are against any talks with the foreign sides on this issue," he added.

The General said there is no convention or agreement on missile production and development, and added, "Therefore, we strictly advise and notify all sides to stay away from this issue."

He also dismissed the US and certain European states' demands for talks on the regional issues, specially Syria, and said such demands are "illegal" and "illegitimate".

847/940