Jazayeri: Any missile negotiations conditional on the 'destruction' of the West's nuclear and missile arsenals

The spokesperson for Iran's Armed Forces Headquarters announced that any negotiations regarding the Islamic Republic's missile program are conditional upon the 'destruction of the nuclear weapons and long-range missiles of the United States and Europe.' According to IRNA news agency, Masoud Jazayeri described the statements of American and European officials regarding the limitation of Iran's missile program as 'unattainable wishes' and claimed that these statements are 'the result of their regional failures and defeats.' Iranian officials have consistently characterized Iran's missile program as 'defensive and deterrent' and have declared discussions about it a red line for the country under any circumstances. The United States, especially since Donald Trump's administration, has been a vocal opponent of Iran's missile tests, with Trump calling Iran's long-range missile program and nuclear weapons program 'inseparable' and setting conditions for continued cooperation with the nuclear agreement, including limitations on the Islamic Republic's long-range missile program. Following these conditions set by the U.S. President, America's European allies, while emphasizing their commitment to the JCPOA, have stated that they share concerns with the U.S. regarding Iran's missile program and regional activities and have not ruled out their willingness to engage in missile discussions. Meanwhile, Reuters reported on Sunday, February 18, that Washington has designed a roadmap for its key European allies—Britain, France, and Germany—regarding Iran. According to these communications, the U.S. has requested European countries to pursue a complementary agreement with Iran that would encompass long-range missiles and the Islamic Republic's nuclear activities after the ten years specified in the Vienna nuclear agreement. However, Bahram Qasemi, the spokesperson for Iran's Foreign Ministry, rejected reports about European countries negotiating with the Islamic Republic regarding regional policies 'at the request of the U.S.' and stated that 'we do not negotiate with other countries regarding our regional policies.' French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian is set to visit Tehran on Tuesday, emphasizing that he will raise his country's concerns about Iran's ballistic missiles in his discussions with Iranian officials. On Tuesday, February 27, the French Foreign Minister reiterated that his country is committed to implementing the nuclear agreement with Iran but is concerned about Iran's missile activities. In response to these statements, Ali Akbar Velayati, advisor to the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic on international affairs, stated that 'no country can dictate terms to us. France should not make unfounded claims that it cannot handle.' British Prime Minister Theresa May also emphasized the commitment of her country to preserving the JCPOA after meeting with German Chancellor Angela Merkel on February 17, stating that both countries, like the U.S., are concerned about Iran's 'destabilizing' activities in the Middle East.