Jazayeri: Iran's Missile Program Is Not Negotiable in Any Foreign Forum

An Iranian military official reacted to the statements of the U.S. State Department spokesperson regarding the Islamic Republic's missile capabilities, threatening that "if the U.S. oversteps its bounds, it should be concerned about Iranian missiles." The remarks by Massoud Jazayeri, deputy chief of staff of the Iranian armed forces, were reported by Fars News Agency on Wednesday, February 4, emphasizing that Iran will not negotiate its missile program with any country. Jazayeri stated, "We do not allow the U.S. and others to interfere and meddle in the country's defense affairs." These comments are a response to recent remarks by Jen Psaki, the U.S. State Department spokesperson, who expressed concern over Iran's missile program, labeling it a "dangerous threat to the region." Psaki also mentioned that one of the topics discussed during nuclear negotiations with Iran is the issue of Iran's ballistic missiles and their capability to carry nuclear warheads. This was denied by Abbas Araqchi, Iran's deputy foreign minister, who stated that the Islamic Republic does not allow discussions about its missile capabilities in nuclear negotiations with the 1+5 group. Jazayeri further noted that "Iran's missile programs and defense capabilities, regardless of their approach, are not negotiable in any foreign forum." He also threatened the U.S., saying, "If the U.S. crosses its limits, it should be worried about Iranian missiles. Our military capability is at the service of defending the Islamic community... Whenever necessary, we will use our defensive capabilities against bullies." He concluded by stating, "The era of American superpower is over, yet some still do not understand this." The Islamic Republic launched a satellite named "Fajr" into space on Tuesday, which is said to be in orbit. Meanwhile, the Iranian government insists that Iranian satellites are designed for peaceful purposes.