Iranian president: We don’t need anyone’s permission to test ballistic missiles

Iran missile
Iran missile

Reuters

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said on Monday that Tehran would continue its ballistic missile program, state television reported, striking a defiant note after strong criticism of the Islamic Republic from U.S. President Donald Trump.

"The Iranian nation has decided to be powerful. Our missiles are for peace and for defense ... American officials should know that whenever we need to technically test a missile, we will do so and will not wait for their permission," Rouhani said in a news conference, broadcast live on state TV.

Rouhani also criticized Iran's arch-foe Saudi Arabia over its lack of democracy, urging Riyadh to allow its people to decide their country's fate through free elections.

NOW WATCH: Watch Trump become the first sitting US president to visit The Western Wall

See Also: