Tehran: Iran's Vice-President for Strategic Affairs, Mohammad-Javad Zarif, has announced that the Islamic Republic no longer relies on foreign nations for missile technology, marking a significant milestone in its defense capabilities. Zarif made these remarks while addressing the media at the screening of the film 'God of War' at Tehran's Milad Tower.

According to Islamic Republic News Agency, Zarif emphasized the transformation in Iran's defense sector, stating, "Once we begged to be given a missile, but today we are building it ourselves; this is the pride of our country." He underscored the nation's progress from dependency to self-sufficiency, which he described as a source of national pride.

Zarif also touched upon the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), the nuclear agreement signed in 2015 with several world powers. He clarified that while missile discussions were not a part of the JCPOA negotiations, Iran had expressed its missile-building capabilities during those talks. This, he suggested, was further evidence of Iran's growing independence in its defense strategies.

Highlighting Iran's missile development prowess, Zarif asserted that the country has demonstrated its ability to produce missiles independently and operate them in compliance with both wartime regulations and religious guidelines. He differentiated this from the issue of nuclear weapons, reiterating that a religious decree by the country's leadership has definitively closed the door on nuclear armament, countering Western allegations of Iran's pursuit of such weapons.

Zarif paid tribute to Hassan Tehrani Moghaddam, whom he referred to as 'the pride of the country,' acknowledging his pivotal role in establishing Iran's missile capabilities. He concluded by expressing gratitude to the martyrs and their families, recognizing their sacrifices as instrumental in safeguarding the nation.