Iran: As long as US backs Israel, we'll expand missile program

Iran: As long as US backs Israel, we'll expand missile program
By Jesse Byrnes - 01-01-16 15:13 PM EST

 

Iranian leaders are defiantly vowing to expand the nation’s missile program in the face of potential new U.S. sanctions.

 

“As long as the United States supports Israel, we will expand our missile capabilities,” said the Revolutionary Guards' No. 2 leader, Brigadier General Hossein Salami, according to Reuters.

 

"We don't have enough space to store our missiles. All our depots and underground facilities are full," he added during Friday prayers in Tehran.

 

Iran's Defense Minister Hossein Dehqan also said the country would boost its missile program after Iranian President Hassan Rouhani called for it to be expanded, denouncing reportsof new U.S. sanctions.

 

The Wall Street Journal reported late Thursday that the Obama administration is delaying its planned sanctions over Tehran's missile program. The news came amid reports of initial pushback from Iranian leaders.

 

The comments Friday from officials in Iran represent a fresh challenge for the Obama administration as it seeks to implement its agreement from over the summer to provide new limits on Tehran's nuclear program.

 

Republicans and Democrats have warned that if America does not firmly respond to Iran’s missile program, Tehran will feel empowered to ignore the nuclear deal’s limits.