TEHRAN – Iran’s government spokesman said on Tuesday that the country's missile program is not up for negotiation with any foreign power. 

“Iran’s missile program is a part of the Islamic Republic’s unchangeable policies,” Mohammad Bagher Nobakht told reporters. 

“In the six (five-year) development plan and the current fiscal year (which started on March 21) a strong emphasis has been laid on upgrading defense capabilities,” he added.  

On Saturday, U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said he hoped newly-elected President Hassan Rouhani will end Tehran's ballistic missile program during his second term. 

AK/PA