Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said on Monday that his country must continue to develop its military, including its missile capabilities, after US President Donald Trump threatened to use force against Tehran if it refuses to negotiate over its nuclear program, Reuters reported, BTA reports.
“Progress should not be stopped. We cannot be satisfied with our current level. We may have set a limit to the accuracy of our missiles before, but now we believe that it is no longer sufficient. We must move forward,” Khamenei stressed, adding that the Iranian army must focus on innovation.
“Today, our defense power is well known, our enemies fear it. "This is of great importance to our country," the Iranian leader added after visiting an exhibition in Tehran showcasing the latest developments in Iran's defense industry.
Tehran continues to insist that its ballistic missile program is purely defensive, even though the West views it as a destabilizing factor in an unstable and conflict-ridden region.
Khamenei, who last week said negotiations with the United States were "not smart, wise or honorable," did not mention President Trump by name in his statement today.
Last week, Trump resumed his policy of "maximum pressure" against Iran, which includes efforts to reduce Iranian oil exports to zero in order to force Tehran to reach an agreement that would severely limit the country's controversial nuclear program.