Iran Says Missile and Drone Programs Are ‘Non-Negotiable
Tehran:Iran’s acting Defense Minister Majid Ibn al-Reza has reiterated that the country’s military capabilities are a “red line” and will not be included in any negotiations with the United States.
In a statement, the acting minister said Iran’s defense, missile, and drone capabilities are essential to the country’s national security and are not open to discussion now or in the future.
He also stressed that Iran will continue to develop and expand its missile and drone programs despite ongoing diplomatic efforts.
Military analysts believe Iran relied heavily on drones during the recent conflict, launching large numbers of them as part of its operations. Such unmanned aerial vehicles are relatively inexpensive to produce in large quantities and can challenge advanced air defense systems when deployed in coordinated waves.
Intercepting these drones can also be costly for defending forces, as advanced missile defense systems often require significantly more expensive interceptors to neutralize low-cost drones.
**Note:** The remarks reflect the official position of the Iranian government. Independent assessments of Iran’s military capabilities and the effectiveness of its drone operations vary.
