Iran Declares Defence Capability Expansion Necessary Amid Israeli Threats
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Synopsis
On February 28, Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Esmaeil Baghaei, emphasized the need for Tehran to enhance its defence capabilities in light of Israeli threats. He criticized Western condemnation of Iran's military initiatives as irrational and reiterated Iran's peaceful nuclear intentions.
Key Takeaways
- Iran's Foreign Ministry stresses the importance of enhancing defence capabilities.
- Israel's Foreign Minister claims Iran is close to weaponizing enriched uranium.
- Iran rejects Western criticism of its defence efforts.
- Negotiations over Iran's nuclear program remain on the table, but under no coercion.
- Iran maintains that its nuclear program serves peaceful purposes.
Tehran, Feb 28 (NationPress) Esmaeil Baghaei, spokesperson for Iran's Foreign Ministry, stated that it is a responsible and essential action for Tehran to enhance its defence capabilities in response to the threats posed by Israel.
These comments came in a post on the social media platform X, following remarks made by Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar. Sa'ar had asserted that 'Iran has enriched sufficient uranium for a couple of bombs' and warned of potential military action to curb Iran's nuclear ambitions, alongside ongoing Western criticism of Iran's efforts to bolster its defence.
Baghaei pointed out that the Israeli officials continue to issue threats against Iran while the West unjustly criticizes its defence initiatives.
He condemned the Western criticism as outrageous and irrational, stating, 'In a region plagued by an occupying force (Israel) that has a long history of aggression and lawless conduct, it is only responsible and essential to strengthen our defence capabilities.'
In a recent interview with Politico in Brussels, published Wednesday, Foreign Minister Sa'ar mentioned that Iran is 'manipulating methods' to potentially weaponize its enriched nuclear material. He acknowledged Israel's preference for a diplomatic resolution but noted that the likelihood of success is 'not huge.'
Sa'ar added, 'To prevent Iran’s nuclear program from being weaponized, a credible military option must remain on the table,' as reported by the Xinhua news agency.
Iran has consistently maintained that its nuclear program is aimed at peaceful purposes, primarily for electricity generation and radiopharmaceutical production.
On Thursday, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian remarked that Iran does not dismiss the possibility of negotiating about its nuclear program but will not submit to coercion.
He made these comments during a meeting with directors of state entities in Tehran province, referencing US sanctions and the 'maximum pressure' strategy against Iran.
'We should not fear sanctions and pressures,' Pezeshkian stated. 'While some suggest we have no alternative but to negotiate with the United States, we have never claimed that negotiations are off the table, but we will not yield to bullies.'
'They cannot escalate sanctions against us and expect us to come to the table for discussions. We have a saying: first prove your brotherhood, then claim inheritances.'
