Iran rejects ‘misleading, politically motivated’ E3 statement on its missile program

In a statement on Friday, Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kanaani said claims by the European trio, also known as the E3, about the Iranian missile lack legal basis.

He added all UN Security Council restrictions on Iran’s missile program have been terminated as of October 18 under the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). Therefore, the E3 claims against Iran’s missile program are unacceptable and illegal, Kanaani said.

In their statement on Thursday, the E3 condemned the unveiling of a new ballistic missile variant by Iran on November 19 and said Iran continues to develop its missile program despite repeated international calls to halt it.

The three European parties to the JCPOA also accused Iran of playing a “destabilizing” role in the region and the world and announced that they would take “every diplomatic step to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons.”

Kanaani stressed the development of Iran’s convenient missile capability pursues a deterrent goal in accordance with the country’s defense needs.

Baseless allegations, the Iranian diplomat stated, would in no way influence Iran’s legitimate defense activities. Kanaani advised the E3 to avoid leveling such allegations that would harm interaction between Tehran and Europe.

Iranian military experts and engineers have in recent years made remarkable breakthroughs in manufacturing a broad range of indigenous equipment, making the armed forces self-sufficient. Iranian officials have repeatedly underscored that the country will not hesitate to strengthen its military capabilities, including its missile power, which are entirely meant for defense.