Iran has reaffirmed that its ballistic missile programme is strictly defensive, rejecting any suggestion that it could be placed on the negotiating table.
The country’s Foreign Ministry spokesman, Esmaeil Baqaei, made the statement on Monday during a press briefing in Tehran.
He said Iran’s missile capability exists solely to deter aggression and warn hostile states against attacking its territory.
“This is not a subject for negotiation,” Baqaei said, stressing that the programme has become even more critical following Israel’s offensive in June.
The month-long conflict saw Israel target Iranian military and nuclear facilities, killing more than 1,000 people.
Iran responded with waves of drone and missile strikes, with Israel confirming over 50 projectiles hitting its territory and killing 28 people. The United States briefly joined Israeli forces before a ceasefire was declared.
Reports by NBC indicate that Israel fears Iran is rapidly rebuilding its missile infrastructure and may consider preemptive action.
The report adds that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to present President Trump with options for deeper U.S. involvement during his upcoming visit.
Iran, which once relied heavily on U.S. weapons before the 1979 revolution, has since developed a robust domestic arms industry to reduce dependence on foreign suppliers.
