Tehran announced on Thursday that its ballistic missile program would remain off the table in any future negotiations with the United States, according to Arab News.
These remarks came a day after Tehran and Washington agreed on a framework accord aimed at putting an end to their conflict.
Iran’s Missile Program
“Our missiles do not like at all to be talked about by anyone,” Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said in an interview with Iranian state television.
On Wednesday, U.S. President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian signed a memorandum of understanding to halt the regional conflict.
The deal paves the way for detailed negotiations on Iran’s nuclear program, as well as talks on sanctions relief for Tehran.
Crucially, the agreement does not tackle Iran’s missile program, which has long been a main concern for the United States and its ally Israel.
War in Iran
On February 28, the United States and Israel launched strikes on Iran, targeting its leadership and triggering a new conflict in the Middle East.
Iran has been responding with a retaliatory counterattack in Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Abu Dhabi, while launching barrages of missiles and drones toward Israel.
The conflict has spread across the Middle East, leaving thousands dead and triggering unprecedented disruptions to energy supplies especially after the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran’s Defensive Capabilities
Iran has repeatedly declined to engage in talks over what it considers as its defensive capabilities.
On Wednesday, Trump appeared to soften his stance, admitting that it would be “unfair” for Iran to be left without missiles.
“I’m saying that if other countries have them, it’s a little bit unfair for them not to have some,” Trump said.
Trump also emphasized that ballistic missiles are distinct from nuclear issues.
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