Ahmad Khatami Supports Missile Tests; 'We Must Have Weapons in a World of Wolves'

Continuing the remarks of Islamic Republic officials regarding recent missile tests, the military aide to the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic called the U.S. officials' objections to these tests 'illogical and wrong,' and the Imam of Tehran stated that 'in a world of wolves, we must have weapons.' According to Tasnim News Agency, Ahmad Khatami, the Imam of Tehran, described the missile drills as a 'manifestation of the power' of the Islamic Republic. He added, 'If we do not have weapons in this world of wolves, the arrogant governments will do whatever they want.' The Imam of Tehran emphasized that Iran's missile tests do not violate the Vienna nuclear agreement, but rather the new U.S. sanctions are a 'violation' of this agreement. Khatami's remarks came before the official announcement of new U.S. sanctions against Iran. Informed sources on Thursday, February 2, told American and international media that the U.S. would impose new sanctions against certain Iranian entities in response to the recent missile test by Saturday, but these sanctions would be structured in a way that they would not violate the nuclear agreement (JCPOA). Reuters reported on January 31, citing an unnamed U.S. official, that Iran tested a 'medium-range missile' on Sunday that 'exploded after traveling a distance.' However, Iranian Defense Minister Hossein Dehghan stated on Thursday, February 2, that the recent missile test was 'successful.' This missile test has drawn criticism from several countries, including the U.S., Israel, France, and the European Union. Meanwhile, Russia did not consider this test a violation of the United Nations Security Council resolution. At the same time, Michael Flynn, national security advisor to Donald Trump, officially warned Iran about its missile program on Wednesday evening. In response, Bahram Qasemi, spokesman for the Iranian Foreign Ministry, described these remarks as 'baseless, repetitive, and provocative.' He emphasized that Iran's military programs are 'not negotiable under any circumstances' and that 'none' of the Islamic Republic's missiles are 'designed to carry nuclear warheads and do not contradict Security Council Resolution 2231.' Meanwhile, the Supreme Leader's special military assistant stated on Friday that 'Iran's missile power has become a domestic defensive capability.' According to Tasnim News Agency, Yahya Rahim Safavi called the statements of U.S. officials regarding Iran's missile program 'illogical and wrong.' According to Security Council Resolution 2231, Iran is prohibited from developing ballistic missiles capable of carrying nuclear warheads for eight years. The Islamic Republic claims that its missiles are not designed to carry nuclear warheads and that its missile tests do not violate the JCPOA or Security Council Resolution 2231. Donald Trump, the President of the United States, stated on Thursday that no option is off the table regarding Iran's ballistic missile program. Trump had also referenced the recent missile test in a tweet hours earlier, reiterating his national security advisor's warning. In this context, the defense of the missile test; Velayati: 'We will continue our activities with strength.' The Iranian Defense Minister called the recent missile test 'successful.' Trump: 'Iran was on its knees and collapsing; the JCPOA saved it.' The U.S. is imposing 'new sanctions against entities related to Iran's missile program.'