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Jun 18, 2026 Major3
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Trump Says Iran Should Have Ballistic Missiles If Other Countries Do
President Trump stated on June 17 at the G7 summit that Iran should be permitted to possess ballistic missiles if other countries have them, marking a reversal from his earlier demands to eliminate Iran's missile capabilities. Iran's Foreign Ministry responded that its missile program is non-negotiable, while analysts noted the apparent strategic failure of recent military operations.





Quick Facts
Who
Donald Trump
What
Trump expressed support for Iran having ballistic missiles
When
June 17, 2026
Where
Paris
- Trump expressed support for Iran having ballistic missiles
- G7 summit held in Paris
- U.S.-Iran memorandum of understanding signed
- Iran Foreign Ministry rejected missile negotiations
- Military strikes conducted by U.S. and Israel against Iran
U.S. President Donald Trump stated on June 17 that if other countries possess ballistic missiles, Iran should be allowed to have them as well. Speaking to reporters in Paris during the G7 summit, Trump argued that denying Iran ballistic missiles while countries like Saudi Arabia and Qatar possess them would be unfair. "If other countries have ballistic missiles, then Iran not having ballistic missiles is somewhat unfair," Trump said. "If Saudi Arabia and Qatar have them, and they do have some, I think proportionally speaking, Iran having ballistic missiles is acceptable."
The statement marks a significant departure from Trump's previous stance. Following U.S. and Israeli military strikes against Iran in late February, Trump had repeatedly stated that military action aimed to eliminate Iran's ballistic missile capabilities. In March, the Trump administration circulated a "15-point plan" to Iran that included demands to limit Iran's ballistic missile quantity and range. However, the formal text of the U.S.-Iran memorandum of understanding disclosed on June 17 made no mention of Iranian ballistic missiles.
Iran's Foreign Ministry responded swiftly, stating that Iran's defensive capabilities and missile program are "non-negotiable" and that Tehran will not discuss these issues with "any party or in any process." Israel, described as a "stalwart" U.S. ally, strongly opposed Trump's position on Iran's missile capabilities.
Political analysts noted the stark contrast between Trump's latest comments and his earlier statements. Some observers characterized the military campaign as potentially a strategic failure, suggesting that despite U.S. and Israeli claims of military success, Iran may have emerged stronger rather than weakened from the conflict. The apparent shift in Trump's position on Iranian missiles reflects the complexity of post-conflict negotiations and the limited achievements of the military campaign.
Why This Matters
This shift matters because it could soften U.S. bargaining pressure on Iran and alter expectations for any future talks over sanctions, security guarantees, or regional arms control. For governments and investors watching the Middle East, the comments suggest Washington’s post-strike strategy may be less rigid than previously assumed, which can affect conflict risk, diplomacy, and market sentiment.
Timeline & Sources
Jun 17, 2026
WireTrump speaks at G7 summit in Paris, states Iran should be allowed to have ballistic missiles
Jun 17, 2026
WireU.S.-Iran memorandum of understanding formal text disclosed, omitting any mention of Iranian missiles
Jun 17, 2026
WireIran Foreign Ministry declares missile program non-negotiable