Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said Saturday that the country's military capabilities have not been affected by the nuclear deal inked last month with six world powers.
"With regards to our defensive capability, we did not and will not accept any limitations," Rouhani said at a press conference, reported Reuters.
Rouhani's comments were reportedly an attempt to reassure hardliners who fear the deal signals Iranian weakness.
"We will do whatever we need to do to defend our country, whether with missiles or other methods," he added.
Tehran recently announced the launch of a new cruise missile production line for high-precision Nasr air-launched missile systems, which will be fitted on drones in the future, reported NBC News. The country also unveiled a new surface-to-surface solid-fuel missile, named Fateh 313, that it said could hit targets up to 310 miles away with precision-accuracy.
Rouhani also said on Saturday that he opposes a parliamentary vote on the historic nuclear deal, as the agreement is a political understanding reached with the P5+1 world powers, not a new pact that requires parliamentary approval, according to The Times of Israel.
Under the nuclear agreement, Iran has promised to limit aspects of its nuclear program in exchange for the lifting of international sanctions.
As those sanctions are lifted, Rouhani said that Iran will begin encouraging foreign partners and investment.
"Foreigners must bring investment and technology and partner with Iranians so that both sides can benefit by winning a share of the Iranian and regional markets," Rouhani said, according to Bloomberg. "The ultimate aim is to create employment for our youth."
