Iran has firmly ruled out any negotiations on its ballistic missile programme, even as diplomatic efforts with the United States continue following a recent breakthrough agreement aimed at easing tensions in the region. President Masoud Pezeshkian made the remarks during an official visit to Pakistan, underlining Tehran’s position that its missile capabilities are not open for discussion.
Speaking alongside Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad, Pezeshkian said Iran’s missile programme was not included in the recently signed Islamabad Memorandum between Tehran and Washington and would never become part of future negotiations. He stressed that Iran views its missile arsenal as a crucial deterrent against external threats.
The Iranian president delivered one of his strongest messages yet on the issue, arguing that without its missile capabilities, Iran would be vulnerable to attacks and pressure from its adversaries. Referring to the devastation in Gaza, he said Iran could face a similar fate if it abandoned its defensive strength. The comments reflect Tehran’s long-standing position that while it may discuss nuclear issues, its conventional military capabilities are non-negotiable.
The statement comes days after US and Iranian officials reported progress in talks aimed at reducing tensions following months of conflict. Mediated in part by Pakistan, the discussions produced a 14-point framework focused on nuclear issues, sanctions relief and regional stability. However, the agreement does not mention Iran’s ballistic missile programme, a point repeatedly highlighted by both Iranian and Pakistani leaders.
