Baku, Azerbaijan, Jan. 11
By Umid Niayesh- Trend:
Iran's defense program is not subject to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), Hossein Jaber Ansari, the spokesman with the Iranian foreign ministry said.
He referred to Iran's recently unveiled missile system, saying it is related to Iran's defense program, not the nuclear deal.
Iran will continue its missile program for defensive purposes, Jaber Ansari said during his weekly press conference in the foreign ministry in Tehran Jan. 11, Iranian state IRINN TV reported.
Last week Iran unveiled a new underground missile depot including "Emad" precision-guided missiles which the US says can carry a nuclear warhead.
The U.S. officials say Washington will respond to the "Emad" tests with fresh sanctions against Iranian individuals and businesses linked to the program.
Meanwhile, Jaber Ansari said that any fresh legislation which comes into force by the US, and considered as JCPOA violation,will be responded to by Iran.
The Iranian official further said that the exact time for the nuclear deal implementation is not clear yet.
Both parties should fulfill their commitments within the JCPOA and the date may be changed due to taken steps, he added.
The JCPOA - a landmark nuclear deal reached July 14, 2015 between Iran and the P5+1 (the US, the UK, France, Russia, China, and Germany), is expected to be implemented by January's end. It will curb Iran's nuclear program in exchange for the removal of the earlier imposed economic sanctions on the country.