Iran missile production has increased 'three-fold'

Iran has increased its missile production three-fold, a senior Revolutionary Guards commander said on Wednesday.

The announcement comes after France's foreign minister on Monday urged Iran to curb its missile programme during a visit to the country aimed at salvaging the historic 2015 nuclear agreement.

Senior Iranian officials told Le Drian on Monday that Iran's ballistic missile programme was not up for negotiation.

"In the past we had to do a lot of explaining to various bodies for our actions but it's not like that anymore," Brigadier General Amir Ali Hajizadeh, the head of the Guards' aerospace division said, according to Fars news service.

"Our production has increased three-fold compared to the past," he said, referring to missiles.

The senior commander did not indicate during what time period the production increase took place, but said the Iranian government and parliament agreed on the need for ground-to-ground missiles.

In January, US President Donald Trump set a 120-day deadline for US lawmakers and European allies to "fix" the nuclear deal, removing "sunset clauses" that mean it expires in 2026 and reining in Iran's missile programme and regional activities.

Iran has refused any re-negotiation or additional clauses, arguing that the US has already failed to keep up its end of the bargain on the existing accord.

The International Atomic Energy Agency has repeatedly found Iran is abiding by its commitments, which curbs its nuclear programme in exchange for a lifting of international sanctions.