Iran says no plans to increase missile range, but rejects Trump talks – Reuters

As reported by Reuters, Iran has stated that it has no plans to increase the range of its current missile arsenal, and once again rejected negotiation talks with US President Donald Trump and his administration.

Key quotes

“Iran’s government again ruled out negotiations with U.S. President Donald Trump over Tehran’s military capabilities and regional influence, saying such talks would be against the values of the Islamic Republic.  Trump withdrew the United States last month from the 2015 accord between Iran and world powers that curbed Tehran’s nuclear activity in exchange for sanctions relief.

“We have the scientific ability to increase our missile range but it is not our current policy since most of the enemies’ strategic targets are already within this 2,000-km range. This range is enough to protect the Islamic Republic,” Major General Mohammad Ali Jafari was quoted as saying by Tasnim news agency.

Jafari said on Tuesday that previous negotiations with the United States about Iran’s nuclear program were “an exception,” and called Iranian politicians and activists who have favored fresh talks with Trump “traitors and anti-revolutionaries”.”