Iran's ballistic missiles not up for negotiation with US: Pezeshkian

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Tuesday said no negotiations had taken place, nor would take place, regarding Iran's ballistic missile programme, as Tehran continues talks with Washington.

Speaking in Pakistan's capital Islamabad, Pezeshkian said Iran remains ready for dialogue and peace despite its distrust of the United States.

"We do not trust America because it attacked us twice during the negotiations, but we are still ready for dialogue and peace," he said.

The Iranian president said Tehran would safeguard its strengths in the upcoming negotiations and reiterated that the country's ballistic missile programme was not on the negotiating table.

Pezeshkian also praised Pakistan's role in facilitating the talks, saying Prime Minister and the country's Army chief had made significant efforts to advance the negotiations.

He expressed appreciation for Pakistan's role in helping facilitate discussions and in reaching a memorandum of understanding.

The Iranian president said peace, security and regional cooperation are essential for the progress and development of West Asia.

"We believe that the progress of the West Asia region depends on peace, security and regional cooperation," he said, reports UNB.