Sharif: Iran’s Missile Program Was Never Part of the Agreement
WANA (Jun 23) – Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has firmly ruled out any negotiations over the country’s defense capabilities, declaring that Iran’s missile program was neither included in recent agreements nor will it ever become a subject of discussion.
Speaking at a joint press conference with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Pezeshkian emphasized the depth of ties between Tehran and Islamabad, describing Pakistan as far more than a neighboring country.
Opening his remarks with verses by renowned philosopher and poet Allama Muhammad Iqbal Lahori, the Iranian president said the relationship between the two nations is rooted in shared history, culture, religion, and common aspirations.
According to Pezeshkian, relations between Iran and Pakistan have long been built on mutual respect, goodwill, and historical trust, and recent developments have once again demonstrated the strength of those ties.
He praised Pakistan’s role in supporting dialogue, reducing tensions, and promoting regional stability at a time when the region faces multiple challenges. Pezeshkian said Islamabad’s approach reflects a responsible and forward-looking vision for regional affairs.
Referring to Sharif’s visit to Iran and the talks held between officials from both countries, the Iranian president said the discussions covered bilateral relations as well as regional and international developments. He noted that the outcomes of those consultations indicate a shared determination to open a new chapter in cooperation based on mutual interests.
Pezeshkian reiterated Tehran’s long-standing position that lasting peace, stability, and security in West Asia and the Persian Gulf can only be achieved through dialogue, regional cooperation, and relations based on mutual respect among neighboring states.
“We extend a hand of friendship to Islamic countries in pursuit of a shared understanding and a new regional security architecture,” he said, adding that Muslim nations should act in unity when facing common challenges
The Iranian president also highlighted economic cooperation, stating that both governments are committed to expanding trade and commercial ties. Relevant ministers, he said, have already begun efforts to remove technical obstacles and implement previously agreed initiatives.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Social media / WANA News Agency
“Iran’s Defense Capability Is Not Negotiable”
The most notable part of Pezeshkian’s remarks focused on Iran’s missile program and defense posture.
Rejecting speculation about the content of recent agreements, he stated that the missile issue was never discussed and will not be discussed in the future.
“The missile issue was not included in the memorandum of understanding, and it will never be included,” Pezeshkian said.
He argued that Iran’s missile capabilities serve as a deterrent and are essential for national defense.
“If our missiles were not available for self-defense, Israel, with U.S. support, would have devastated Iran in the same way Gaza has been devastated, showing no mercy to either the young or the old,” he said.
Pezeshkian also criticized what he described as Western double standards on human rights, arguing that countries that speak about human rights continue to support Israeli actions in the region.
“If we did not possess the capability to defend ourselves, our country would undoubtedly be destroyed,” he said. “Therefore, we will never discuss our defense capabilities with any party.”
Pezeshkian in Islamabad: No Talks on Ballistic Missiles
WANA (Jun 23) – Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said during a meeting with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif that Iran’s ballistic missile program has never been and will never be part of any negotiations, adding that despite Tehran’s distrust of the United States, the country remains open to dialogue and peace. Leading a high-level […]
Sharif: Missile Program Was Never Discussed in Iran-U.S. Talks
For his part, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif echoed Tehran’s position, stressing that Iran’s ballistic missile program was never part of discussions between Tehran and Washington and was not included in any recent agreement.
Welcoming the Iranian delegation, Sharif described recent diplomatic efforts as an important opportunity for peace and said Pakistan had played a constructive role in facilitating dialogue.
He also expressed appreciation for the contributions of regional leaders, including those of Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Egypt, in supporting diplomatic initiatives aimed at reducing tensions.
Addressing concerns about Iran’s missile capabilities, Sharif said that possessing defensive missile capabilities is a natural right for sovereign states.
“If Iran, as our neighboring country, maintains missile capabilities for defensive purposes, that is entirely normal. Many countries around the world possess similar capabilities,” he said.
The Pakistani prime minister insisted there is no ambiguity regarding the content of recent understandings and reiterated that missile-related issues were never part of them.
He further argued that some countries are unhappy with the progress of diplomatic efforts and improving relations among regional actors and are attempting to undermine those developments through misinformation and speculation.
Sharif concluded by announcing a formal invitation for President Pezeshkian to visit Pakistan and address the Pakistani parliament, expressing hope that cooperation between Tehran and Islamabad would enter a new phase across political, economic, and security sectors.
