Rouhani: No military ‘limitations’ for Iran in deal
Iranian President Hassan Rouhani on Saturday said his nation’s military remains as strong as ever following last month’s nuclear deal with the U.S.
“With regards to our defensive capability, we did not and will not receive any limitations,” Rouhani said during a press conference on Iranian state television, according to Reuters.
{mosads}“We will do whatever we need to do to defend our country, whether with missiles or other methods,” he added.
Rouhani’s remarks are meant to address concerns among his nation’s hardliners that his pact with President Obama weakens Tehran’s power.
Reuters said his comments follow last week’s announcement of a new Iranian surface-to-surface missile.
Iran’s latest projectile weapon has a range of 310 miles.
Last month’s nuclear accord states that the U.N. Security Council must approve any transfer of Iranian ballistic missile technology during the next eight years.
An arms embargo on conventional weapons also remains locked in for half a decade.
The Obama administration announced it had reached its landmark nuclear agreement with Tehran on July 14.
The historic diplomatic bargain eases economic sanctions on Iran in exchange for greater restrictions on its atomic energy programs.
Iran has promised it would allow more frequent nuclear inspections as part of the deal. It has also accepted limits on its centrifuge and uranium stockpiles.
Secretary of State John Kerry led U.S. efforts at the negotiating table with Iran in Vienna over the last 18 months. Britain, China, France, Germany and Russia aided American diplomats in securing the pact.
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