Iran Defence Council chief Ali Shamkhani says Iran's missile programme 'non-negotiable' amid US tensions

Ali Shamkhani, Iran's secretary of the Defence Council and senior advisor to Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei told The New Arab’s Arabic-language site, Al-Araby Al-Jadeed, that Iran’s missile capabilities constitute "a red line" and "are not a subject for negotiation".

Shamkhani, a prominent naval officer and politician, also stressed that Tehran’s missile capabilities are "part of the country’s defensive deterrent system," in comments which come amid ongoing tensions with the US over its nuclear programme, Israeli demands for Iran to cut down on such, and recent talks between the two in Oman.

Shamkhani told Al-Araby on the sidelines of a march marking the 47th anniversary of the Islamic Revolution in Tehran, that the country’s missiles were "formed based on strategic assessments and national security requirements," making them non-negotiable in talks with foreign powers.

Asked whether his stance could impact future talks with the US, the naval officer said: "Negotiations have their own course, and if pursued with a realistic approach and based on mutual respect, they can lead to acceptable outcomes."

"At the same time, it is natural for the fundamental components of a state's defence to remain outside the scope of political dialogues," he added.

Shamkhani, who was recently appointed as the head of Iran’s new Defence Council, said the group was formed to "enhance the cohesion and efficiency of the armed forces, as well as to develop national capabilities to respond to emerging threats," in a likely reference to tensions with the US and Israel.

He went on to criticise Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for holding a meeting with US President Donald Trump on Wednesday, where Tehran was on the agenda.

Shamkhani said his "hasty" talks with Trump reflect a "recurring pattern of behaviour linked to this entity's consistent approach of creating crises".

"It is a persistent attempt to derail the conflict resolution process from the realm of dialogue and return it to the cycle of conflict and confrontation. Whenever a window of opportunity for a political solution opens, this entity, through demonstrative actions and political pressure, seeks to escalate tensions and create a tense atmosphere," he said.

At the White House on Wednesday, Trump told Netanyahu that talks with Iran "must continue" to see whether a nuclear deal could be reached, in response to the Israeli premier’s persistent push for a tougher stance on its regional foe.

Iran and Israel have been engaged in a 'shadow war' for decades, which dramatically escalated in June last year in parallel with the war in Gaza.

Israel struck numerous Iranian nuclear sites, triggering the Twelve-Day War and promptong the US into joining the attack on Iran.

Shamkhani himself was targeted by Israel during the 12-day-long conflict, but survived the attack despite sustaining several injuries.

Washington has also threatened military action against Iran in response to the deadly crackdown on anti-government protests, which began in December. Thousands of people were killed during the demonstrations.

The US has recently ramped up its fleet in the Middle East, signalling a potential attack on Iran, with Tehran also threatening to retaliate in the event of an attack.