Iran’s missile programme defensive

TEHRAN, Dec 22 (AFP): Iran insisted on Monday that its missile programme was defensive in nature and designed to dissuade attack, while adding the existence of its arsenal was not up for debate.
Israel had presented Iran's ballistic missiles, along with its nuclear programme, as the two main threats it sought to neutralise during the 12-day war the foes fought in June.
"Iran's missile programme was developed to defend Iran's territory, not for negotiation," foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said at a weekly press conference.
"Therefore, Iran's defense capabilities, designed to deter aggressors from any thought of attacking Iran, are not a matter that could be talked about."
Iran's ballistic capabilities put Israel within striking distance, and after Israel's unprecedented attacks that sparked the war in June, Tehran responded with waves of missiles and drones launched at Israeli cities.