India, June 24 -- Iran has firmly rejected any attempt to include restrictions on its missile programme in ongoing negotiations with the United States, reiterating that its defence capabilities are non-negotiable.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated that the country's missile strength is a core pillar of national security and warned that without it, Iran would be left as vulnerable as Gaza. His remarks came amid continuing discussions between Tehran and Washington under a recently signed interim understanding.

According to Iranian officials, the missile programme was not part of the 14-point memorandum of understanding reached with the US and will not be included in any future agreement. Tehran maintains that its defensive capabi...