Iran Says Its Missiles Are Defensive

Iran says its missiles are not a threat

Iran says its missles are designed to defend against military aggression and do not threaten any nation.

Defense Minister Ahmad Vahidi, whose statement appeared in Iranian media on June 19, also accused U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates of "deception" for saying on June 18 that the West must adapt its own missile defense systems to protect against Iran attacking Europe with "scores or hundreds" of missiles.

Vahidi said Washington seeks to "expand its domination over Europe, and to find an excuse not to dismantle its nuclear weapons stationed in the region, while putting the pressure on Russia and surrounding it."

Washington has said it suspects Tehran may be seeking to develop nuclear weapons that could be missile-borne.

(AFP)