Iran says missile programme non-negotiable as Israel floats new war

Iran said on Monday that the existence of its ballistic missile programme is not up for negotiation amid rumours that Israel is considering starting a new war on the Islamic republic.

Israel had presented Iran's ballistic missiles, along with its nuclear programme, as the two main threats it sought to neutralise during the 12-day war it started in June.

"Iran's missile programme was developed to defend Iran's territory, not for negotiation," foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said at a weekly press conference.

"Therefore, Iran's defense capabilities, designed to deter aggressors from any thought of attacking Iran, are not a matter that could be talked about."

US broadcaster NBC reported last week that Israel is considering launching a new war on Iran to destroy its missile production capabilities.

During a planned visit to the US later this month, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu "is expected to present [President Donald] Trump with options for the US to join or assist in any new military operations", NBC reported, citing an unnamed source with direct knowledge of the plans and former US officials briefed on them.

Over the course of the recent war, Israel struck military sites, nuclear facilities and residential areas, killing more than 1,000 people.

Iran responded by launching hundreds of missiles and drones at Israel, hitting key infrastructure and killing more than two dozen people.

The US briefly joined its ally in striking Iran's nuclear facilities before declaring a ceasefire.

Iran once procured much of its weaponry from the United States, but following the break in diplomatic relations after its 1979 Islamic revolution, it had to develop its own domestic arms industry.

(AFP and TNA staff)