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Iran has ruled out discussions on its missile programme in future negotiations with the United States, following a framework agreement reached between both countries to end their conflict.
The deal, signed by US President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, provides a basis for further talks on Tehran’s nuclear programme and possible sanctions relief, but does not include provisions on Iran’s missile capabilities.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman, Esmaeil Baqaei, said Tehran’s missile programme would not be open for negotiations, insisting that the country’s defence capabilities were not subject to discussion with any party.
He said Iran’s missiles were solely intended for defensive purposes and would not be included in any future diplomatic process.
“Our missiles do not like at all to be talked about by anyone,” Baqaei said in an interview with Iranian state television.
“Iranian missiles are only for firing, not for negotiations. Iran’s defence capability will not be discussed in any way, in any process or with any party.”
The issue has remained a major concern for Washington and Israel, which have long viewed Iran’s ballistic missile programme as a threat to regional security.
During the nearly 40-day conflict that began on February 28 following US-Israeli strikes on Iran, parts of Tehran’s missile infrastructure were targeted, while Iran continued launching missile and drone attacks across the region.
Before the war, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio had argued that any negotiations with Iran would need to address its ballistic missile arsenal. Tehran, however, has consistently rejected discussions on what it considers its legitimate defence capabilities.
Trump appeared to soften his stance on the issue on Wednesday, saying it would be unfair to prevent Iran from possessing missiles while other countries maintain similar capabilities.
He argued that ballistic missiles were separate from the nuclear issue at the centre of negotiations.
“I’m saying that if other countries have them, it’s a little bit unfair for them not to have some,” Trump said.
“A ballistic missile is not the same thing as what we are talking about when we talk nuclear.”
