Trump: Iran Can Retain Ballistic Missiles Post-War Deal

On June 18, 2026, during a press conference on the sidelines of a G7 summit in Evian, France, then-US President Donald Trump made a notable statement regarding Iran's ballistic missile capabilities. He asserted that it was 'okay' for Iran to retain some of its ballistic missiles, arguing that it would be 'a little bit unfair' if other countries in the region, such as Saudi Arabia and Qatar, possessed such arsenals while Iran did not. Trump's comments came as he defended a newly signed memorandum of understanding (MOU) between his administration and Tehran, shortly before this new agreement was set to enter into force. This 'deal' was distinct from the original 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), from which the United States had unilaterally withdrawn in May 2018. The context for this recent development was the US-Israel War on Iran, which commenced on February 28, 2026, and concluded on May 5, 2026, with a subsequent ceasefire leading to the aforementioned MOU. In his remarks, Trump explicitly differentiated between ballistic missiles and nuclear weapons, stating, 'Missiles aren't the problem… They hurt a little location, but they don't blow up the planet (like nuclear weapons do).' This signaled a significant recalibration of Washington's stance, as the destruction of Iran's missile program had been a primary objective for both the US and Israel at the outset of the 2026 conflict. Trump also claimed that the US military operations had 'knocked out probably 84%-85% of their missiles,' with the remaining ones allegedly 'underground' and inaccessible. This shift in rhetoric marked a departure from previous hawkish positions, where the US administration, alongside Israel, had consistently demanded the dismantling of Iran's ballistic missile program. For instance, in March 2026, Secretary of State Marco Rubio had stated that a key US aim in the war was 'the destruction of Iran's ballistic missile capabilities and their ability to manufacture them.' However, with the new MOU, Trump appeared to downplay the urgency of completely eradicating Iran's missile capabilities, though he clarified that the program would be subject to further discussions in follow-on talks scheduled for the next 60 days. The Times of Israel's headline, 'As deal takes force, Trump says 'it's okay' for Iran to have some ballistic missiles,' accurately captures the essence of Trump's quote and its timing relative to the new agreement. While not fake, the headline could be perceived as slightly sensationalized by not immediately providing the full context of Trump's rationale, particularly his assertion that most of Iran's missile capabilities had already been neutralized during the recent conflict and his distinction between missile types. Nevertheless, the core claim is widely corroborated by other reputable news sources, including The Times of India, StratNews Global, WION, and CBS News, all reporting similar statements made by Trump on June 18, 2026. The development highlights the complex and evolving nature of US foreign policy in the Middle East, particularly concerning Iran. It suggests a pragmatic approach post-conflict, focusing more acutely on preventing nuclear weapon proliferation while being more flexible on conventional missile capabilities, especially if significant portions are believed to have been destroyed. The implications for regional security, particularly for countries like Israel that have historically viewed Iran's missile program as a direct threat, remain a critical point of discussion. For an Indian audience, this news holds significant importance due to India's strategic interests in the Middle East, including energy security, the large Indian diaspora in the Gulf, and broader geopolitical stability. Changes in US policy towards Iran can impact regional power dynamics, potentially affecting global oil prices and trade routes, and influencing India's diplomatic engagements with both the US and Middle Eastern nations.

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