20/06/2010 Iranian Defense Minister Ahmad Vahidi has rejected the recent US accusations that Tehran's missile is a threat to Europe, urging that the country's missile capability serves defensive purposes. "The Islamic Republic of Iran's missile capability has been designed and created for defending the country against military aggressions and not threatening any other country ", Vadidi said on Saturday.

Vahidi was responding to accusations by US Defense Secretary Robert Gates on Thursday that Iran could attack Europe with "scores or hundreds" of missiles.

The Iranian official further said that the US's anti-Iran propaganda is aimed at expanding US dominance over Europe, finding an excuse to avoid dismantlement of the nuclear arms stationed in Europe and imposing pressure on Russia.

Vahidi also called on Russia not to be fooled by the United States' psychological warfare and deceitful measures. "They (Americans) have even victimized their closest allies for the sake of their own illegitimate interests and hegemony," Vahidi said.

Despite Iran's efforts to solve the nuclear issue, which was manifested in Tehran Declaration, the United Nations Security Council gave in to US pressures in the early June and adopted its fourth round of sanctions against the Islamic republic. The Security Council's move was a blow to months of diplomacy on parts of the Islamic republic and a number of the council's non-permanent members like Brazil and Turkey.

The resolution 1929 came a few days after Iran, Brazil and Turkey reached an agreement which would see Tehran shipping 1200kg of its low-enriched uranium to Turkey for further enrichment.

Al-ManarTV:: Vahidi: Iran Missile Capability for Self-Defense, Not a Threat to Europe 20/06/2010