Iranian officials say they won’t dismantle nuclear, missile programs, citing threat from Israel

Iranian officials say they won’t dismantle nuclear, missile programs, citing threat from Israel

 REUTERS

Iranian officials tell Reuters that US President Donald Trump’s aims for the upcoming talks are unacceptable to Tehran.

They say that beyond the nuclear issue, the US wanted to push other issues too, including Iranian influence across the Middle East and its ballistic missiles program, which they said were off the table.

“Trump wants a new deal: end Iran’s regional influence, dismantle its nuclear program and halt its missile work. These are unacceptable to Tehran. Our nuclear program cannot be dismantled,” a senior Iranian official says.

“Our defense is non-negotiable. How can Tehran disarm when Israel has nuclear warheads? Who protects us if Israel or others strike?” says another official.