Iran says missile programme not part of talks with US

Iran announced on Thursday that its missile programme would not be included in forthcoming negotiations with the United States, following the signing of a framework agreement to end the regional conflict that began on 28 February with U.S.–Israeli strikes.

U.S. President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian signed a memorandum of understanding early Thursday, establishing a basis for detailed talks on Iran’s nuclear programme and potential sanctions relief.

The agreement does not mention Iran’s missile programme, a long‑standing concern for Washington and its ally Israel.

“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. “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.”

During the nearly 40‑day war, Iran’s missile infrastructure was heavily targeted by U.S.–Israeli forces, yet Tehran continued to launch missile and drone attacks across the region.

Prior to the conflict, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned that Iran would need to negotiate over its ballistic missile arsenal, which Washington views as a threat to Israel and U.S. military bases in the area.

Iran has consistently refused to discuss what it calls its defensive capabilities.

On Wednesday, Trump appeared to soften his stance, saying it would be “unfair” for Iran not to possess missiles. “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.”

AFP

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