Iran to strengthen missile programme: Commander-in-chief

Ankara: Iran will continue to develop its missile programme and it should not be considered a threat to neighbouring and friendly countries, the semi-official Fars news agency quoted the head of the army as saying on Thursday.

"Iran`s missile capability and its missile programme will become stronger. We do not pay attention and do not implement resolutions against Iran, and this is not a violation of the nuclear deal," Fars quoted commander-in-chief Ataollah Salehi as saying.

He was referring to Iran`s deal with world powers last year to curb a nuclear programme that the West feared, despite Tehran`s denials, was aimed at acquiring atomic weapons.

Despite last month`s easing of sanctions against Iran, it remains in dispute with the United States over its development and testing of ballistic missiles capable of delivering a nuclear warhead.