Full Breakdown
Trump Says Iran Should Keep Some Ballistic Missiles
6/18/2026, 9:06:04 AM
Trump Says Iran Should Keep Some Ballistic Missiles
On June 17, 2026, at the G7 summit in France, President Donald Trump told reporters it would be “unfair” for Iran to be denied ballistic missiles while Saudi Arabia and Qatar possess them. He said, “if other countries have them, it’s a little bit unfair for them not to have some,” and noted missiles differ from nuclear weapons. Trump added the United States would keep its Gulf forces in place after the U.S.–Iran deal.
Deal Context and Regional Missile Landscape
The remarks came as Washington prepared to sign a U.S.–Iran Memorandum of Understanding ending a conflict. Trump said the United States would discuss Iran’s missile program and its support for proxy groups with Gulf partners, including Saudi Arabia and Qatar. He noted that Syria’s leader seeks “precision” strikes on Hezbollah in Lebanon and that Lebanon’s premier is slated to visit Washington. U.S. intelligence estimates indicate Iran still retains more than 70 % of its missiles and launchers.
Official Statements & Responses
Trump framed his fairness argument as a policy stance, distinguishing conventional ballistic missiles from nuclear weapons and asserting that Iran’s limited arsenal would not threaten regional stability. He said the United States would maintain a Gulf military presence for a period after the memorandum and would engage Gulf states on missile and proxy issues. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, standing beside Trump, reiterated a U.S. goal to “destroy Iran’s missile capability,” reflecting a contrasting official objective.
Criticism & Opposition
Critics argue that Israel’s long-standing demand for Iran to relinquish its missiles is intended to undermine the U.S.–Iran agreement, noting that missiles constitute Tehran’s primary deterrent. Marco Rubio’s pledge to “destroy Iran’s missile capability” directly contradicts Trump’s fairness rationale. Hawkish advisers, referenced by Trump as “not smart,” have also expressed disapproval of his softened position on Iran’s arsenal.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the U.S. policy trajectory: Trump previously pledged to “obliterate” Iran’s missile industry, yet now argues for limited retention. No precise figure defines “some” missiles, and details of any future limits remain unspecified.
Verbatim Quotes
"I'm saying that if other countries have them, it's a little bit unfair for them not to have some," — Donald Trump, President of the United States
"A ballistic missile is not the same thing as what we’re talking about when we talk nuclear." — Donald Trump, President of the United States
"We’re going to destroy their missiles and raze their missile industry to the ground. It will be totally, again, obliterated." — Donald Trump, President of the United States
"If not for the agreement, we would have slid into a period like the Great Depression of 1929." — Donald Trump, President of the United States
What’s Next
The U.S.–Iran Memorandum of Understanding is slated for signing later this week, followed by Gulf-nation talks on missile and proxy issues and a planned visit to Washington by Lebanon’s premier.
