TEHRAN, Feb. 03 (MNA) – Senior member of Iran’s nuclear negotiating team dismissed the statements by US State Department spokesperson, saying that issues related to the country's defense programs are non-negotiable.

In response to the statements by US State Department spokesperson about launching fourth satellite into space, Seyed Abbas Araghchi said Iran's defense capabilities are not subject to any type of negotiations.


“Iran’s fourth domestic Fajr satellite which was put into orbit on February 2, 2015, is backed by Iran’s advanced technology and scientific knowledge in line with our country’s long-term approach to be present in space and also to strengthen communication and information infrastructures of the country,” Araghchi added.


Pointing to the totally scientific and economic aspects of the launch, Araghchi said Safir satellite carrier which put Iran’s 4th satellite into orbit, is designed and constructed by Iran's aerospace experts in Defense Ministry exclusively for peaceful purposes.


Araghchi added, "Iran's missile program is of purely defensive nature which is not up for any type of negotiations with any foreign side."


He stressed that "Iran has never allowed and will not let any talks on the country’s missile defense capabilities during Iran’s nuclear talks with 5+1, since the defense capabilities of our country are not subject to any type of negotiations."


By Mehr News Agency


The Iran Project is not responsible for the content of quoted articles.