Iran's Foreign Ministry: Pence's Remarks are 'Fabricated' and 'Hostile'

The spokesperson for Iran's Foreign Ministry described the comments made by the U.S. Vice President regarding the Islamic Republic's nuclear and missile programs as 'repetitive', 'fabricated', 'Iranophobic', and 'in continuation of the hostile and unilateral policies of the U.S. government against the Iranian nation and government'. According to the state news agency IRNA, Bahram Qasemi stated on Tuesday, April 8, that Iran's nuclear program is 'completely transparent and all reports from the International Atomic Energy Agency emphasize the peaceful and indisputable nature of these activities'. He also referred to Israel as a 'belligerent regime and a factor of instability and insecurity in the region and the world', adding that the 'unwavering support of the U.S. for Israel's military activities demonstrates comprehensive U.S. support for this regime'. Qasemi called Iran's missile program 'completely defensive and deterrent', stating that 'we do not accept advice from anyone for the defense of our country, nor do we allow interference from others'. On Sunday, U.S. Vice President Mike Pence announced at the 'AIPAC' conference, the largest pro-Israel lobby in the U.S., that the Trump administration would prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. He also stated that 'America is committed to ensuring Israel's security, which entails a firm policy in confronting Iran'. Nikki Haley, the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, also criticized the Vienna nuclear agreement at this meeting, saying, 'We will keep a hawk's eye on Iran'. Previously, Michael Flynn, the former National Security Advisor to the U.S. President, had stated last February, following a missile test by Iran, that Tehran's activities pose a threat to the U.S., its friends, and allies in the region, and had officially warned Tehran. The United States also announced on Friday, April 4, that it had sanctioned 30 individuals and entities for sending sensitive technology to Iran for its missile program or violating export controls to Iran, North Korea, and Syria. Two days after this action, Iran announced that in a reciprocal move, it would sanction 15 American companies for cooperating with Israel.