Rouhani: Iran's ballistic missile programme will continue

Iran will continue its ballistic missile programme, state television reported President Hassan Rouhani saying today, striking a defiant note after strong criticism of the Islamic Republic from US President Donald Trump.

The Iranian nation has decided to be powerful. Our missiles are for peace and for defence … 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 criticised 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.