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Iran Rejects Negotiations Over Defense Capabilities, Warns EU of Consequences

opera.com 2025/2/8

Iran’s Foreign Ministry Spokesperson, Esmail Baqaei, firmly rejected the prospect of negotiations regarding the country’s defense capabilities, including its missile program. In a press briefing on Monday, Baqaei made it clear that Tehran is committed to strengthening its military power and will not engage in any discussions on defense-related matters in international talks.

“The notion of negotiating over Iran’s defense and military strength is entirely off the table,” Baqaei emphasized. He further clarified that recent conversations between Iran and the European trio the United Kingdom, Germany, and France have been strictly confined to the nuclear issue, with defense matters excluded from the agenda.

According to Islamic Republic News Agency, Baqaei also issued a strong warning to the European countries about the potential activation of the snapback mechanism under the 2015 nuclear deal, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). He stated that any attempt to trigger the snapback provisions would prompt a resolute response from Tehran.

“If the snapback mechanism is invoked, Iran will have no justification to remain in the agreement,” Baqaei remarked, indicating that such an action could lead to Iran’s withdrawal from the JCPOA.

Iran’s military, including the Army and the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC), continues to bolster its defense capabilities under the leadership of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei. Over recent years, Iran has made significant strides in developing domestically-produced military equipment, achieving greater self-sufficiency in defense technology.

Tehran has consistently stated that its military advancements, particularly in its missile and drone programs, are for defensive purposes only. Iranian leaders have reiterated that these capabilities are non-negotiable and are vital to protecting the country’s sovereignty.

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