Tehran (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Iran stated on Monday that its military capabilities are non-negotiable, following France’s call for a “comprehensive deal” with Tehran that includes its missile programme and regional issues influence.
Iran typically describes all military activities, including its ballistic missile programme, as defensive.
“Regarding matters related to our defence capabilities, there will absolutely be no discussion,”
Foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei told a regular press briefing.
What did France propose in the comprehensive deal?
On Sunday, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot stated on CBS News’s “Face The Nation” that Western governments are aiming for a “comprehensive agreement” with Iran, partly to prevent the potential risk of Tehran covertly developing a nuclear weapon, an ambition Iran has repeatedly denied.
Barrot stated that such an agreement would encompass “the nuclear dimension,” the “ballistic component,” and “the regional destabilisation activities that Iran has been conducting, ” which refers to armed groups supported by Tehran throughout the Middle East.
What triggered renewed nuclear discussions in Istanbul?
Barrot’s comments came after a Friday meeting between Iranian diplomats and representatives from France, Germany, and Britain. This was the first nuclear discussion since Israeli strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities last month escalated into a 12-day war.
Friday’s discussions in Istanbul occurred as the three European countries, collectively called the E3, have recently threatened to activate a ‘snapback mechanism’ under the collapsed 2015 nuclear agreement, which would reimpose UN sanctions on Iran.
“Unless a new and robust and durable and verifiable agreement is reached by the end of the summer, France, Germany, and the UK will have no other choice but to reapply the global embargo that were lifted 10 years ago,”
Stated Barrot.
How did Iran respond to the West’s latest remarks?
Tehran has previously warned that Iran might withdraw from the global nuclear non-proliferation treaty if sanctions are reimposed.
Baqaei on Monday stated:
“One cannot expect a country to remain in the treaty while being deprived of its stated rights, particularly the peaceful use of nuclear energy.”
Last month, Israel’s strikes targeted critical nuclear and military facilities in Iran, but they also affected residential areas, resulting in the deaths of top commanders, nuclear scientists, and hundreds of others. The United States temporarily entered the conflict, attacking significant nuclear sites.
The conflict disrupted US-Iran nuclear talks that started in April and led Iran to restrict its collaboration with the UN’s nuclear agency.
Baqaei stated that the Istanbul meeting with European powers concentrated only on
“the nuclear issue and the lifting of sanctions.”
The spokesman added that discussing any other
“unrelated topics… is simply a sign of confusion on the part of the other side.”
He also said that that Terhan had emerged from the battle with its staunch rival Israel
“even more determined… to safeguard all their assets, including their means of defence against foreign aggression and hostility”.
