"Iran is an independent country and can defend itself in any way it sees fit whether by missiles or any other defensive means," Ali Akbar Velayati, a senior adviser to Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei on international affairs, told reporters in Tehran on Saturday.
The remarks came after French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian on February 27 expressed deep concern over Iran's ballistic missile program.
Le Drian plans to pay a visit to Tehran on Monday to hold talks with senior Iranian officials.
Iran has repeatedly emphasized that the country's missile program is merely for defensive and deterrent purposes, stating that it is not open to any negotiations.
