Rouhani urges US to drop 'hostile' policies towards Iran

The remarks by Iranian top officials came in response to Trump's recent anti-Tehran remarks in Riyadh and his arms sale deal with the Saudis.

During his visit to Saudi Arabia on Sunday, Trump called on the regional countries to isolate Iran which, he said, had "fueled the fires of sectarian conflict and terror."

Also, the US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said Saturday that he hopes the re-election of Rouhani would prompt changes to Tehran's approach to "terrorism and human rights."

Tillerson urged Iran's re-elected president to dismantle the alleged "network of terrorism" and to end ballistic missile tests.

He made the remarks at a news conference with Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir in Riyadh.

On Monday, Rouhani, however, said that the Islamic republic will continue to test its missiles anytime if there is a "technical need," and it will not seek the permission of any other country to do so.

"Our missiles are for defense and peace," Rouhani said, adding that the US expectations from Iran to halt its defensive missile program is "an illusion."

On Sunday, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces, Brig. Gen. Massoud Jazayeri, refuted the comments by the US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson for urging a policy shift in Tehran's conduct during President Hassan Rouhani's second term.

The only way to peace in the Middle East is a pull-out of the US forces from the region, Jazayeri said.

In the reaction, Jazayeri urged the United States for what he called an end to the "aggressive and terrorist operations against independent states" by the assistance of "reactionary regimes" in the region.

Besides, no factor could hinder Iran's defense programs, he said, describing the boost of Iran's missile defense systems as a top priority for the Islamic republic.