Here is the full text of the decree:
In the Name of God
Brigadier General Hossein Dehghan,
Respected Minister of Defense,
As seemingly the United States, in line with its hostile policies to illegally interfere in the Islamic Republic of Iran’s programs for boosting the defense power, has decided to impose new sanctions against individuals and institutions, it is needed that under the ratified defense policies of the country, the program for the production of various types of missiles needed for Iran’s Armed Forces continue with more speed and seriousness.
Iran’s Ministry of Defense, as well, would have the responsibility to organize new planning for development of country’s missile power using all capabilities and facilities if US repeats such 'wrong and interventionist' measures.
I have to reassure that Iran’s defense capabilities are means of security and stability in the region, not a threat, and it serves solely to protect country’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity as well as fight against terrorism and extremism in direction of common regional and international interests.
Iran has repeatedly confirmed during the nuclear talks with the 5+1 that its defense power and missile program are not negotiable, and Iran would accept no limitation in this regard due to its legitimate right of defense.
It is clear that Iran’s missile program is not part of JCPOA, which is also approved by US officials. As it has been stated before, nuclear weapons has no place in the Islamic Republic of Iran’s defense doctrine, therefore production and development of Iran’s ballistic missiles, which has never been designed to carry nuclear warheads, will continue powerfully as a common and important defense means.
Hassan Rouhani
President of the Islamic Republic of Iran
PT/PR
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