Iran rejects talks with West on ‘defense capabilities’

AFP :

Iran said on Monday that its military capabilities were not up for negotiations, after France called for a “comprehensive deal” with Tehran that covers its missile program and regional influence.

“Regarding matters related to our defense capabilities, there will absolutely be no discussion,” foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei told a regular press briefing.

Iran generally refers to all military activities, including its ballistic missile program, as defensive.

On Sunday, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot told CBS News show “Face The Nation” that Western governments were seeking a “comprehensive agreement” with Iran, in part to avert the “risk” that it could covertly pursue a nuclear weapon – an ambition Tehran has consistently denied.

Barrot said such agreement would include “the nuclear dimension” as well as the “ballistic component” and “the regional destabilization activities that Iran has been conducting,” referring to armed groups backed by Tehran across the Middle East.