Iran vows to pursue missile program despite new US sanctions
Iran will pursue its development of ballistic missiles despite the US blacklisting of more Iranian companies linked to the program, a senior Revolutionary Guards commander said on March 28.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) test-fired several ballistic missiles this month, drawing condemnation from Western leaders who believe the tests violate a United Nations resolution.
The US Treasury Department blacklisted on March 24 two Iranian companies, cutting them off from international finance over their connection to the missile program.
Washington had imposed similar sanctions on 11 businesses and individuals in January over a missile test carried out by the IRGC in October 2015.
 |
"Even if they build a wall around Iran, our missile program will not stop," Brigadier General Amir Ali Hajizadeh, commander of the IRGC's aerospace arm, was quoted as saying by Tasnim news agency. "They are trying to frighten our officials with sanctions and invasion. This fear is our biggest threat."
US officials said Iran's missile test would violate UN Security Council Resolution 2231, which calls on Iran not to conduct "any activity" related to ballistic missiles capable of delivering nuclear weapons.
