TEHRAN, October 31 - A senior Iranian official reiterated that the country would not negotiate any article of the nuclear deal, officially known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).
TEHRAN, Young Journalists Club (YJC) - “Iran will not negotiate any article of the JCPOA under any circumstances,” said Secretary of Iranian Supreme National Security Council Ali Shamkhani on the sidelines of international media exhibition on Tuesday.
“We will not negotiate with any one on our missile program. Our defense power is based on our internal capability.”
He said that Iran would meet its defense needs based on home-made capability.
Iran and the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council – the United States, France, Britain, Russia and China – plus Germany signed the nuclear agreement on July 14, 2015 and started implementing it on January 16, 2016.
Under the JCPOA, Iran undertook to put limitations on its nuclear program in exchange for the removal of nuclear-related sanctions imposed against Tehran.
On October 25, Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei said Iran’s defense might is not up for negotiation, stressing the country’s resolve to strengthen its defense capabilities despite enemy attempts to weaken the nation.
“We have repeatedly announced, and declare once more that the country’s defensive means and power are not up for negotiation and bargaining,” the Leader stated.
“When it comes to defense equipment and whatever [means] that backs up the national power, we have no bargaining and deals with the enemy, and will continue on the path of power with more strength than before,” he added.