Iranian president denies supplying advanced missiles to Houthis, Russia

In his first press conference since his election, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian denied on Monday that Tehran has supplied hypersonic missiles to Yemen's Houthi rebels or short-range ballistic missiles to Russia.

His comments come as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed retaliation, accusing the Houthis of escalating their attacks beyond Yemen’s borders. Western countries have also strongly condemned Iran's reported delivery of ballistic missiles to Russia to be used against Ukraine.

Pezeshkian rejected allegations that Tehran had provided hypersonic missiles to Yemen’s Houthi rebels. A day earlier, the Houthis claimed responsibility for firing a missile at Israel, which they described as hypersonic. Netanyahu responded by warning that Israel would impose a "heavy price" on the Houthis, who have controlled northern Yemen for years but are now expanding their operations far beyond the country's borders.

"It takes a person a week to travel to Yemen from Iran. How could this missile have gotten there? We don't have such missiles to provide to Yemen," Pezeshkian told reporters.

Despite Pezeshkian's denial, Iran last year showcased what it said was its first domestically made hypersonic missile, the Fattah. The growing influence of the Houthis, fueled by Iranian backing, has been a cornerstone of Tehran's regional strategy, as the group has continued to disrupt global trade routes in the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandeb Strait under the pretext of blockading Israel.

Iran’s support for the Houthis, alongside other proxy groups across the region, aligns with its long-standing foreign policy goals of opposing Israel and destabilizing Western-aligned governments. Yemen’s strategic location has given Iran a foothold in a region critical to international shipping, amplifying its leverage in the conflict.

Pezeshkian, in response to a question from a Japanese media outlet regarding the Islamic Republic's missile deliveries to Russia, stated, "As for the relationship between the Islamic Republic and Russia, I can say with certainty that since we took office, we have not provided them with anything."

He claimed ignorance about missile deliveries to Russia during Ebrahim Raisi's administration and prior governments. However he said, "We have and will continue to have relations with Russia."

Pezeshkian added, "However, our stance in all wars is that no country should invade another country’s territory."

Regarding his visit to Moscow, attendance at the BRICS summit, and relations with Russia, he said that the Islamic Republic’s ties with Russia and China have been "very good" and that this trajectory would continue.

He remarked, "It’s not the case that if we negotiate, trade, and make peace with the world, we will forget our friends."

He added, "Russia is our neighbor, and we have strong economic relations, which these meetings can help implement the vision that Ebrahim Raisi had."

Ties with China

In response to a question from a Chinese reporter about relations between Beijing and Tehran, he said, "Our strongest ties are with China and Russia." He also praised China’s efforts to mediate between the Islamic Republic and Saudi Arabia.

The president promised, "We will have a fully aligned and strategic partnership with China, and we will work to implement the agreements and increase cooperation in future relations."

Responding to a question from an Associated Press reporter about the Islamic Republic's production of 60% enriched uranium and his government’s plan to address the International Atomic Energy Agency’s concerns, Pezeshkian stated, "We are addressing our technical and scientific needs and are not pursuing nuclear weapons."

He continued, "We adhered to the framework of the JCPOA; they [the US] tore it apart. If they don't resume compliance, neither will we."

"We will continue within the framework of nuclear energy laws and agreements. If they uphold their commitments, we will do the same."

In response to another question, Pezeshkian said, "We don't seek conflict; we are not pursuing nuclear weapons, but we won't allow anyone to bully us."

Regarding recent efforts to resume and expand relations with Arab countries, particularly in the Persian Gulf region, such as Saudi Arabia, Pezeshkian stated: “I believe we are brothers, so why shouldn’t we visit each other? There should be no disagreements between us. I personally welcome any initiative that brings us closer together.”

He added, “We aim to strengthen our relations with Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, and all Islamic countries. We have invited the Saudi Crown Prince to visit us, and we are eager to meet.”

Foreign policy remains largely out of Pezeshkian's hands, with Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) maintaining firm control. Though Abbas Araghchi, a former diplomat, has been appointed as foreign minister, Tehran’s reliance on military proxies signals a continuation of its hardline stance.

In his remarks, Pezeshkian also discussed potential solutions for the country’s economic crisis. He suggested that resolving the nuclear issue and adhering to standards set by the international financial watchdog, FATF, could yield significant results. He also announced plans to send a letter to the Islamic Republic’s Expediency Council addressing nuclear sanctions and FATF compliance.