Iran has reiterated that its missile programme is purely defensive and cannot be subject to negotiations, stressing that it exists solely to deter potential attacks.
Speaking on Monday, Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman, Esmaeil Baqaei, said the country’s missile capabilities were developed to safeguard its territorial integrity and are not intended as a bargaining chip in diplomatic talks.
His comments followed Israel’s repeated claims that Iran’s ballistic missile arsenal, alongside its nuclear activities, constituted the principal threats Israel aimed to neutralise during the 12-day conflict between both countries in June.
According to Baqaei, Iran’s missile programme is meant to protect the nation rather than serve offensive purposes. He emphasized that the country’s defence capabilities are designed to discourage any aggression and, as such, are not open to discussion or compromise.
Iran’s long-range ballistic missiles place Israel within its range, and after Israel carried out unprecedented strikes that triggered the June conflict, Tehran retaliated by launching multiple waves of missiles and drones at Israeli cities.
Meanwhile, a report by US broadcaster NBC said Israel is increasingly worried that Iran is moving to rebuild and expand its missile manufacturing capacity in the aftermath of the war. The report suggested that Israel may be considering further military action to prevent such developments.
NBC also disclosed that during an upcoming visit to the United States later this month, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to present President Donald Trump with options for possible US involvement or support in future military operations against Iran. The report cited unnamed sources familiar with the discussions, including former US officials.
During the recent hostilities, Israeli forces targeted Iranian military installations, nuclear sites and residential areas, resulting in more than 1,000 deaths. Israel, on its part, reported that over 50 Iranian missile strikes landed within its territory, killing 28 people.
The United States briefly joined Israel in attacking Iran’s nuclear facilities before a ceasefire was eventually declared.
Iran previously relied heavily on the United States for its military hardware. However, following the severance of diplomatic ties after the 1979 Islamic Revolution, Tehran was compelled to build its own domestic defence and weapons production industry.