Trump Defends Iran Missile Deal, Calls Them Less Risky Than Nuclear Weapons

U.S. President Donald Trump has defended a recently signed memorandum of understanding with Iran concerning ballistic missiles, suggesting it would be inequitable for Tehran to be denied such capabilities if other regional nations possess them. Speaking in Paris on the sidelines of a G7 summit, Trump told reporters that the possession of missiles by countries like Saudi Arabia and Qatar makes it "a little bit unfair" for Iran not to have some.

“

I'm saying that ⁠if other countries have ​them, it's a little bit ​unfair for them not to have some

Trump's remarks signal a potential shift in Washington's stance on Iran's missile program, an issue Israel has consistently demanded be dismantled as part of any broader settlement. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has frequently linked Iran's missile capabilities to broader security threats, including its nuclear program and regional activities. However, Trump indicated that missile issues would not be treated with the same gravity as nuclear weapons.

"Missiles aren’t the problem… They hurt a little location, but they don’t blow up the planet (like nuclear weapons do)," Trump was quoted as saying. He added that missile-related matters would remain a subject for future negotiations. A U.S. official confirmed that Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian digitally signed the memorandum, which had been previously signed by U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Iran's chief negotiator Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf.

“

Missiles aren’t the problem… They hurt a little location, but they don’t blow up the planet (like nuclear weapons do)

Despite the confirmation, the full text of the agreement has not been publicly released by the United States. This interim arrangement is expected to lay the groundwork for further discussions aimed at converting the framework into a more comprehensive settlement in the coming weeks.

“

The text of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding was finalized with the signatures of the presidents, now it is time to test the implementation of the agreement.