Iran has rejected U.S. and French allegations that its recent long-range missile test violates United Nations resolutions

 VOA

Voice Of America

Iran: Missile Test Not in Violation of UN Resolution

 

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif (C-R) welcomes with his German counterpart Frank-Walter Steinmeier (C-L) in Tehran, Oct. 17, 2015.

 

Lou Lorscheider

 

Last updated on: October 17, 2015 7:40 PM

Iran has rejected U.S. and French allegations that its recent long-range missile test violates United Nations resolutions, saying the Security Council restrictions only apply to missiles designed to carry nuclear warheads.

Speaking Saturday in Tehran, Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said "none of the Islamic Republic of Iran's missiles have been designed for nuclear capabilities."

"The Islamic Republic of Iran has proved and shall prove again that nuclear weapons have no place in our defense doctrines and never shall have a place, therefore our missiles have never been designed for carrying nuclear warheads because we have never planned on having nuclear warheads and shall not either," said Zarif.

Zarif's comments came a day after U.S. Ambassador Samantha Power referred to the October 10 launch of a medium-range missile.  She said the missile was "inherently capable of delivering a nuclear weapon," and said Washington will respond with “appropriate action” in the U.N. Security Council.

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