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Iran says missiles for self defence, tests do not violate nuclear deal

Iran says missiles for self defence, tests do not violate nuclear deal

By REUTERS

Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif speaks after attending the European Parliament Committee on Foreign Affairs, at the EU Parliament in Brussels, Belgium, February 16, 2016. REUTERS/Francois Lenoir

CANBERRA: Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said on Tuesday its ballistic missiles were for self-defense and that recent tests condemned by the United States did not violate an historic nuclear deal between Tehran and six world powers. Speaking in Australia, Zarif said that the missiles tested last week would never be used in aggression. The tests drew international concern and prompted a meeting on Monday of the 15-nation Security Council.