Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Bahram Ghasemi stressed on Monday Iran’s missile program of the Islamic Republic is “non-negotiable” and tests will continue, stating that Iran welcomes negotiations with the EU to bring positions closer in many different issues.

“Iran’s defence capabilities cannot be compromised and are under no circumstance negotiable,” he told state television IRIB, adding that “missile tests are conducted within the framework of Iran’s defence policies.”

Ghasemi remarks were in response to US and EU governments that have claimed Iran’s tests are a breach of its commitments under last year’s nuclear deal.

Ghasemi welcomed the EU’s “interest and determination to develop ties with the Islamic Republic of Iran and the renewed emphasis on the commitment of this union in the full implementation by all sides” of the nuclear deal.

The EU has been pushing to open an office in Tehran amid a surge in interest from European companies hoping to resume trade ties.

Source: AFP