Iran's Foreign Ministry: Missile Tests Do Not Violate JCPOA

The spokesperson for Iran's Foreign Ministry stated that the recent military exercises conducted by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and the missiles tested during these exercises do not contradict the nuclear agreement and 'even Resolution 2231 of the UN Security Council.' The IRGC recently conducted a new military drill in which several missiles with various ranges were tested. IRGC officials claim that they have developed a 2,000-kilometer missile for a potential attack on Israel. Mark Toner, the spokesperson for the US State Department, stated on Tuesday that Iran's missile tests violate the UN Security Council resolution. He emphasized that Washington is examining whether these tests also contradict the nuclear agreement (JCPOA). The Israeli Defense Minister also stated that the new missile tests indicate that there has been no change in Iran's 'hostile behavior' since the nuclear agreement. The US State Department spokesperson mentioned on March 10 that John Kerry had discussed recent events with his Iranian counterpart, Mohammad Javad Zarif. According to IRNA news agency, Hossein Jaberi Ansari, the spokesperson for Iran's Foreign Ministry, stated on March 11 that the launched missiles 'were not designed for carrying nuclear warheads.' He added that 'therefore, the missile program of the Islamic Republic of Iran does not contradict the provisions defined in Resolution 2231 of the UN Security Council and its annexes, and thus the claim of violating this resolution is rejected.' Resolution 2231 of the UN Security Council was issued following the conclusion of nuclear talks between Iran and six world powers. It requests Tehran to refrain from any activity related to ballistic missiles capable of carrying nuclear weapons for eight years. Previously, Ali Akbar Velayati, the international advisor to the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic, had stated regarding this resolution that Iran has 'not and will not submit to it regarding its defense capabilities, especially missiles.' The spokesperson for Iran's Foreign Ministry claims that the produced missiles are for the defense of Iran. Previously, a senior IRGC official stated that the produced weapons 'belong to the people of Palestine, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, and all the oppressed people of the world.' US presidential candidates have also reacted to the recent IRGC military exercise. Among them, Hillary Clinton from the Democratic Party stated that new sanctions should be imposed on Iran in response to the tested missiles. In this regard, Biden stated: 'If Iran's missile test is a violation of the JCPOA, we will take action.' Kerry has 'discussed the new missile test with Zarif.' Hajizadeh mentioned that the enemy may influence political officials. Clinton reiterated that Iran should be sanctioned for the missile test.