Iran's Foreign Ministry said on Monday that the country continues to pursue the exclusively peaceful nature of its nuclear program, but that Tehran is prepared to defend itself if threatened by Israel. Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei stressed that Iran is committed to the policy of abandoning weapons of mass destruction and that the nuclear program is aimed only at peaceful development. However, amid growing tensions, he reiterated Iran's readiness to increase its defense capabilities.

"As the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution recently emphasized, we will strengthen our forces only to the extent necessary to defend Iran," — Baghai said.

The statements come amid growing threats and hostile actions from Israel and the United States. In recent weeks, Iran's leadership has repeatedly declared its technological capabilities to create nuclear weapons, emphasizing that it is held back from doing so by a religious fatwa from Ayatollah Khamenei that prohibits the development of such weapons.

On October 1, Iran launched a massive missile attack on Israeli territory, firing more than 180 ballistic missiles at a number of targets. The strikes were presented as a response to the recent assassinations of key Iranian supporters, including Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh and Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah. Despite successful interceptions by Israeli missile defense systems, the escalation of the conflict has further strained relations between the countries.

Israel responded on October 26, when the IDF launched airstrikes against Iran's missile sites and air defense systems. According to Iranian sources, the strikes killed four Iranian soldiers and one civilian. Although details of Iran's possible next steps have not yet been released, its leadership has promised a tough response to the aggression.

Along with the military clashes, the Iranian economy continues to deteriorate: the national currency has fallen to a record level of 710 rials per dollar, causing serious concern in the country. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian called what is happening an “economic war,” emphasizing that economic difficulties currently pose no less a threat to the country than external aggression. He noted that it is especially important for Iran to maintain economic stability now.

"Today we are facing a real economic war. Our task is to withstand the economic challenges that our enemies are using against us. But we must not allow them to achieve their goal," — said Pezeshkian.

According to him, the development of missile technologies serves as a deterrent rather than an aggressive factor for Iran. Pezeshkian emphasized that the buildup of military forces is aimed at ensuring that no country can threaten Iran's security with impunity.