Missiles, nuclear deal separate issues: Iran to Germany

Tehran, Aug 20, IRNA – Iran's missile program and the nuclear deal are two separate issues with the former being non-negotiable, the Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman said Monday with a reference to German Chancellor's recent remarks. 'She (Angela Merkel) can express her view,[…] but she must know that the missile program and the nuclear deal are two separate issues,' Bahram Qasemi said in his weekly press conference. 'We have declared our stance on the missile issue, confirming that it is non-negotiable,' he stressed. Merkel had earlier said Berlin was willing to preserve the deal in the wake of US withdrawal, while expressing concern over Tehran's missile program. Answering a question on Iran's foreign policy approach toward Turkey and Pakistan, Qasemi said, 'Our principled policy on our neighbors is clear.' 'We have always been willing to have friendly relations with all countries as we believe that friendly ties can help create a secure region apt for an economic leapfrog,' he said. 'The US is pursuing its goals through bullying,' the spokesman said referring to sanctions imposed on Turkey by Washington, calling the approach 'a medievalist policy'.