Missile Defense Not Linked to JCPOA

Claims that Iranian efforts to increase its missile power undermine the July 2015 nuclear deal with world powers, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, are false, a senior military official said. “Upgrading Islamic Republic’s missile power is underway in line with the establishment’s macro-scale policies and measures,” Deputy Chairman of the General Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces Lieutenant General Massoud Jazayeri also said on Friday, Tasnim News Agency reported. “According to the clear admissions of domestic and foreign strategists and military and political experts, the existence of underground and missile bases is considered an important factor of deterrence and defense against threats posed by the sworn enemies of the Islamic Revolution and the Iranian nation.” Iran has repeatedly announced that missile tests is related to the defense of territorial integrity and has nothing to do with the nuclear accord. The country has also reiterated that its military might poses no threat to other countries and that the Islamic Republic’s defense doctrine is entirely based on deterrence.