Iran will never negotiate on its defense or military capabilities: spokesman

Iran will never negotiate on its defense and military capabilities in any way, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei emphasized.

Speaking at the weekly presser on Monday, spokesperson Baghaei reacted to the rumors spreading over alleged negotiation between Iran and Europe over the Islamic Republic's missile program.

"It is not unusual for the parties to raise their arguments, and this is not unprecedented. However, what should be considered is that Iran will not negotiate about its defense and military capabilities in any way," he was cited by Islamic Mehr News Agency.

Earlier there have been reports that Israel with support of the United States might move against Iran, especially targeting its nuclear power capabilities.

Baghaei on another occasion said that the current Iranian administration will give a reciprocal answer if the so-called snapback mechanism is used. Basically, there is no justification or reason for Iran to stay committed to some agreements if such a thing happens, he underlined.

The Army Ground force of Iran begun on Sunday a series of security-offensive drills in Torbat-e Jam County in the Khorasan Razavi province, according to the Teheran Times. The drills involved a coordinated effort among various units, including artillery and armored divisions, helicopter forces, drones, missile units, and electronic warfare units.

The drills aim to enhance combat capabilities while showcasing the latest advancements in weaponry and military technology, according to a statement by Iran's Army.

In the first phase of the "offensive-security" drill, the ground force's special rapid reaction units practiced capturing mock terrorist leaders and senior members before they could enter the country, according to Xinhua News Agency.

Speaking on the sidelines of the drills of the Iranian Army, Brigadier General Kioumars Heidari, commander of Iranian Army's Ground Force, stated that the Armed Forces of the country are ready to counter any threats posed by enemies against the Islamic Republic "at any level", according to MEHR.

While emphasizing the need to confront regional and trans-regional terrorism, Brigadier General Heidari stated the country's armed forces are fully prepared to confront any terrorist and non-terrorist provocations at any scale or at any level, MEHR reported.

The Chief of Staff of Iran's Armed Forces, Major General Mohammad Bagheri said on Monday that the Iranian naval forces have been invited to the Pakistani-hosted upcoming AMAN-25 naval exercise that is scheduled from February 7 to 11, 2025, in Karachi, according to MEHR.

Iran's military drills are not aimed at escalating conflict, but rather at enhancing its capacity to maintain peace. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Monday that Iran is ready to contribute to maintaining the peace and stability of the region, in a meeting with Armenian Deputy Foreign Minister Vahan Kostanyan, according to MEHR.

Xinhua contributed to the story.