Trump Says Iran Should Have Ballistic Missiles If Other Countries Do

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.