Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said on Monday that Tehran would continue its ballistic missile program, state television reported, striking a defiant note after strong criticism of the Islamic Republic from U.S. President Donald Trump.
"The Iranian nation has decided to be powerful. Our missiles are for peace and for defense ... 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 criticized 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.
SEE ALSO: Rouhani warns Revolutionary Guards not to meddle in Iran election
Join the conversation about this story »
NOW WATCH: Watch Trump become the first sitting US president to visit The Western Wall