Zarif: Iran will continue to develop missile program

March 1, 2016

The Jerusalem Post:

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif signaled that warming relations with the West after the nuclear deal would have no impact on Iran developing its missile program.

“We will not get permission from anyone for our missile and defense capability,” said Zarif on Sunday in an interview with the Students News Agency ISNA.

He added that the United States should seriously work to remove sanctions on the country. “We are still waiting to see whether the US is serious in its commitment or not.”

The foreign minister also opened the door to talks on other issues with the US, saying it depended on the decision by Iranian officials. Zarif said the US still needs to build trust with Iran.

Iran and world powers reached the nuclear agreement – the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action – in July.

Regarding its regional Sunni foe Saudi Arabia, he claimed the country faced a severe crisis and had to revise its policy. The foreign minister went on to blame the Saudis and the “Zionist regime” for making efforts to prevent the nuclear deal, but they failed.

The foreign minister also opened the door to talks on other issues with the US, saying it depended on the decision by Iranian officials. Zarif said the US still needs to build trust with Iran.

Iran and world powers reached the nuclear agreement – the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action – in July.

Regarding its regional Sunni foe Saudi Arabia, he claimed the country faced a severe crisis and had to revise its policy. The foreign minister went on to blame the Saudis and the “Zionist regime” for making efforts to prevent the nuclear deal, but they failed.

“Despite sanctions imposed against [Iran’s] defense sector, the Armed Forces, in their path to self-sufficiency and new achievements, have foiled and will foil the enemies’ attempts to reach their goals,” he said.

Original article.