Iran's missile capabilities not up for negotiation, adviser says

Investing.com -- Iran's missile capabilities remain a non-negotiable issue, according to an adviser to Iran's supreme leader, as both Tehran and Washington consider a new round of diplomatic talks.

"The Islamic Republic's missile capabilities are non-negotiable," Ali Shamkhani said on Wednesday, according to state media, while participating in a march commemorating the 47th anniversary of the Islamic Revolution.

The statement comes after U.S. and Iranian diplomats engaged in indirect discussions last week in Oman, amid a regional naval buildup by the U.S. that Iran perceives as threatening.

The United States has consistently attempted to expand talks beyond Iran's nuclear program to include its missile capabilities. While Iran has expressed willingness to discuss limitations on its nuclear activities in exchange for sanctions relief, it has steadfastly refused to connect these discussions to other matters, particularly its missile program.

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi reinforced this position on Sunday, stating that Tehran's missile program had never been included on the agenda for negotiations.

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