Iranian Officials Deny Missile Negotiations with Europe

The spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the head of the National Security and Foreign Policy Commission of the Islamic Republic rejected the statements of the French Foreign Minister regarding negotiations with Iran about its missile program. Bahram Qasemi, the spokesperson for Iran's Foreign Ministry, stated on Sunday, January 27, in an interview with the IRIB news agency that the Islamic Republic's missile program is 'not open to discussion or negotiation.' Mr. Qasemi also announced in an interview with the Sobhe No newspaper that the Islamic Republic has had 'no negotiations' with Europe regarding military issues, and discussions have only been held on political and economic matters. He added, 'We have loudly stated that we will not negotiate on missiles, and in the communications and negotiations we have had, our positions have been expressed clearly and transparently.' Meanwhile, Heshmatollah Falahatpisheh, the head of the National Security and Foreign Policy Commission, called the French Foreign Minister's statements 'false.' He said that 'no permission has been given to the officials of the Foreign Ministry to negotiate on missile issues.' Mr. Falahatpisheh did not specify which body or individual should grant this permission to the Foreign Ministry officials, but such negotiations typically occur with the approval of the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic. Jean-Yves Le Drian, the French Foreign Minister, warned Iran on Friday, January 26, that if talks with the country regarding its ballistic missile program do not yield results, Paris is prepared to impose sanctions against the Islamic Republic decisively. On the same day, the Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson responded to these remarks, stating that if Europe imposes sanctions on Tehran, the Islamic Republic will reconsider its relations with it. He emphasized, 'Iran's missile capabilities are non-negotiable, and this point has been communicated to the French side during ongoing political discussions between Iran and France.' Mr. Qasemi also stated on Sunday, 'It is unacceptable for us that other countries in the world want to pressure us on these issues.' The disagreements between Iran and Europe regarding the Islamic Republic's missile program are ongoing while both sides have agreed to maintain the JCPOA. Meanwhile, informed sources in the European Union reported to Radio Farda that on January 28, after the official registration of the EU's 'special mechanism' for trade with Iran, the 'conclusions' of the European Council regarding issues related to Iran are likely to be approved. In this 'conclusion,' the European Council asks Iran to refrain from activities 'especially ballistic missile launches' that are 'inconsistent' with UN Security Council Resolution 2231. The European Council states in its 'conclusion' that such actions by Iran 'lead to increased distrust and make the region less secure.' Two weeks ago, Iran's satellite launch vehicle launch drew criticism from the US and several European countries. However, Iran has stated that its produced missiles do not have the capability to carry nuclear weapons, and therefore, its missile activities do not violate UN Security Council Resolution 2231. UN Security Council Resolution 2231, which was issued after the 2015 Vienna nuclear agreement to endorse it, called on Iran to refrain from developing ballistic missiles capable of carrying nuclear warheads.