Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian declared on Monday that Tehran would not abandon its missile program, citing the need for deterrence in a region where Iran’s arch-enemy Israel has the capability to “drop missiles on Gaza every day.”
Speaking to reporters, Pezeshkian emphasized the importance of Iran’s missile capabilities for national security. “If we don’t have missiles, they will bomb us whenever they want, just like in Gaza,” he stated, drawing a parallel to the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas in Gaza.
The Iranian leader’s comments come amid longstanding Western calls for Iran to limit its missile program. More recently, the United States and its allies have accused Iran of transferring ballistic missiles to Russia for use in the Ukraine conflict, leading to new sanctions on both Moscow and Tehran. Both countries have consistently denied these allegations.
Pezeshkian reiterated Iran’s official stance on the issue, challenging the international community to “first disarm Israel before making the same demands to Iran.” This statement underscores Iran’s position that its missile program is a necessary defensive measure in the face of regional threats.
The missile program has been a point of contention between Iran and Western powers for years, with Iran insisting on its right to develop defensive capabilities while Western nations express concern over the potential for these technologies to be used aggressively or proliferated to non-state actors.
Pezeshkian’s remarks highlight the ongoing tensions in the Middle East and the complex geopolitical landscape that Iran navigates. They also reflect Iran’s consistent policy of maintaining and developing its missile capabilities despite international pressure and sanctions.
This declaration from Iran’s president comes at a time of heightened regional tensions and global concern over the proliferation of missile technology. It serves as a reminder of the challenges facing international efforts to limit the spread of advanced weapons systems in volatile regions.
