Iran’s missile program is peaceful in nature and does not pose a threat to any other country.
“Missile activities are not against any country and are only for defense purposes,” Foreign Ministry Spokesman Bahram Qasemi told ISNA in remarks published on Friday, in response to claims by France about the country’s defense program.
In an interview with Radio RTL, French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian claimed that Iran’s missiles are not solely intended for defense, Press TV reported.
Qasemi said, “Iran has repeatedly stated that its missile activities are part of the Islamic Republic’s deterrence policy, which has been and is being pursued in line with safeguarding national interest and defending the country’s dignity and territory, as is the case for any other sovereign nation.”
He noted that the 1980-88 war imposed on Iran former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein compelled Iran to enhance its defense ability to deter hostile powers from committing new aggression against the country.
Fighting Terrorism
Asked about the French minister’s claim that Iran supports terrorist groups and plays a destabilizing role in the region, the official said, “Combating terrorism is one of the core principles of the Islamic Republic of Iran.”
“We believe that our interests lie in the promotion of security, peace and stability in the region, and that is why we have always tried to cooperate with regional countries toward the realization of this goal,” Qasemi said, calling the French accusations “unfounded”, “unfair” and “ill-informed”.
Role in Syria
On Le Drian’s criticism of Iran’s military presence in Syria, he reiterated that Tehran only provides advisory assistance to the war-torn Arab country at the request of the Damascus government.
“As long the Syrian government requires Iran’s advisory help in the fight against terrorist groups, we will continue to help them based on our principled policy of fighting terror and contributing to security and stability in the region.”
Yemen War
Qasemi also said Iran has adopted a “clear” stance on the situation in Yemen, which has been embroiled in a civil war since 2015.
He criticized the destructive role of a Saudi-led coalition of Arab forces in Yemen, saying that Riyadh and its western allies should rethink their policies.
