Iran’s missile program defensive not offensive: Military source
An informed Iranian military source says the country’s missile tests are part of the Islamic Republic’s defensive needs, saying Tehran needs “no permission” to enhance its defense capabilities.
“The Islamic Republic’s missile might is totally defensive and is not against any country, and solely aims to respond to possible acts of aggression against the territorial integrity of the country," Fars news agency quoted the informed source as saying on Saturday.
The official added that Iran’s missile tests are natural and within its defensive needs.
“The Islamic Republic of Iran does not need the permission of any power in the world for its self-defense," said the source.
The remarks apparently come in reaction to recent reports by US media that claimed Iran had test-fired a medium-range ballistic missile late Wednesday that traveled about 1,000 kilometers (620 miles).
The US news network CNN said on Thursday night that Iran had test-fired the missile.
Iran has not yet released a report or a video confirming the missile test.
Tehran has repeatedly said its military might poses no threat to other countries, and that its defense doctrine is based on deterrence.
Earlier this month, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif told CNN that Iran “will never start a war,” but “will defend its territory” against any act of aggression.
Speaking to Fareed Zakaria in New York, Zarif said Iran has never started a war and will never start one “but we will defend ourselves and anybody who starts a war with Iran will not be the one who ends it.”
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