Ebrahim Raisi: Iran’s ballistic missiles program is non-negotiable

TEHRAN, Jun. 22 (YPA) – Iranian President-elect Ebrahim Raisi on Monday stressed that Iran’s ballistic missile program was “non-negotiable.”

In his first press conference after winning the elections, Raisi promised that he would not allow the talks in Vienna to be postponed. He welcomed negotiations with world powers aiming at reviving the 2015 nuclear agreement, “provided that national interests are guaranteed.”

“Negotiations should not be prolonged, but every session should bear fruit,” he said.

He also denied the possibility of holding any negotiations regarding Iran’s ballistic missile program and its regional policies.

Raisi said his approach to foreign policy would not be constrained by the nuclear deal negotiated by Rouhani, in which Iran agreed to curb its nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief.

Raisi described the Iranians’ participation in the elections as a message of “unity and cohesion.”

He added that voters gave him a mandate to “fight corruption, poverty and discrimination”, which moderate President Hassan Rouhani has been accused of failing to address during the election campaign.

When asked if he would meet with President Joe Biden if asked, he replied, “No.”

“I am proud to have championed human rights in every position I have held so far,” Raisi said, when asked about his human rights record on Monday.

YPA