In a major statement that could reshape the debate around Iran’s defence capabilities, US President Donald Trump has said that Iran should be allowed to have some ballistic missiles, arguing that it would be unfair to deny Tehran weapons that other countries in the region already possess.
Trump Says Iran Should Be Allowed Some Ballistic Missiles
Speaking on Wednesday at a press conference on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Paris, Trump said Iran should not be completely barred from possessing ballistic missiles. He pointed to the missile capabilities of countries such as Saudi Arabia and Qatar, suggesting that Iran should also be permitted to maintain a limited missile arsenal. Trump argued that treating Iran differently from other regional powers would be unfair and questioned why some countries are allowed to have missiles while Iran faces restrictions.
Criticising opponents of Iran’s missile programme, he said some people support missile ownership by Saudi Arabia but object when Iran seeks similar capabilities. “That’s not how it works,” he remarked.
Trump Draws Distinction Between Missiles and Nuclear Weapons
The US President also sought to distinguish ballistic missiles from nuclear weapons, downplaying the threat posed by conventional missile systems.
According to Trump, ballistic missiles do not pose the same level of danger as nuclear weapons, which have the potential to cause global destruction. His comments suggest a softer approach towards Iran’s missile programme than many of Washington’s traditional allies have supported in the past.
ALSO READ: US-Iran peace deal signed to end West Asia war, but the real test begins now due to…, 5 key things to watch in 60 days
Concerns for Israel Over Policy Shift
Although the recent agreement between the United States and Iran does not specifically address Tehran’s missile programme, Trump’s remarks are likely to raise concerns in Israel. Israel has long viewed Iran’s missile arsenal as a major security threat and has argued that the programme helps Tehran strengthen its strategic position while pursuing broader regional ambitions.
When Israel, with US backing, launched military action against Iran on February 28, one of its stated objectives was to weaken Tehran’s missile capabilities. Israeli officials have repeatedly maintained that Iran’s missile programme plays a central role in its defence and deterrence strategy.
US and Iran Sign Memorandum of Understanding
Hours after Trump’s remarks, reports confirmed that the United States and Iran had formally signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU). Trump signed the document during a dinner with French President Emmanuel Macron at the Palace of Versailles, while Iran confirmed that President Masoud Pezeshkian had also signed the agreement. Speaking to reporters before leaving Versailles, Trump said, “The MoU has been signed. I signed it at Versailles. I have just signed it.” The White House said the memorandum is aimed at ending the conflict involving Iran.
Earlier, on Sunday, US Vice President JD Vance and Iran’s chief negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf had digitally signed the agreement, paving the way for the final approval by both presidents.
ALSO READ: Rs 28425885000000 fund, 60 days of toll-free Hormuz: What’s inside US-Iran 14-point deal and why it matters
First published on: Jun 18, 2026 03:16 PM IST
Get Breaking News First and Latest Updates from India and around the world on News24. Follow News24 on Facebook, Twitter.
End of Article
Related Story
