United States President Donald Trump has alleged that Iran is working to develop missiles capable of reaching the United States, while also attempting to rebuild its nuclear programme following U.S. strikes on Iranian facilities last year.
Speaking during his State of the Union address, Trump said Tehran already possesses missiles capable of threatening Europe and American bases overseas and is now pursuing longer-range capabilities.
“They’ve already developed missiles that can threaten Europe and our bases overseas, and they’re working to build missiles that will soon reach the United States of America,” he said.
Missile Capability Concerns
According to a 2025 assessment by the U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency, Iran could potentially develop a militarily viable intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) by 2035 if it chooses to pursue that capability.
Currently, Iran’s short- and medium-range ballistic missiles have ranges of up to about 1,850 miles (3,000 km), far short of the more than 6,000 miles separating Iran from the continental United States.
Nuclear Programme Dispute
Washington and Tehran remain engaged in high-stakes negotiations aimed at reaching a new agreement on Iran’s nuclear programme after the previous deal was abandoned during Trump’s first term.
The United States is pushing for zero uranium enrichment and wants restrictions on Iran’s ballistic missile programme and regional activities demands Tehran has rejected. Iranian officials have consistently denied pursuing nuclear weapons.
Trump said Iran is attempting to restart its nuclear ambitions following U.S. strikes he ordered on three Iranian nuclear sites in 2025, which he previously claimed had “obliterated” Tehran’s atomic programme.
Diplomacy vs. Force
Despite escalating rhetoric, Trump said diplomacy remains his preferred path but warned that military action remains an option if negotiations fail.
“My preference is to solve this problem through diplomacy… I will never allow the world’s number one sponsor of terror… to have a nuclear weapon,” he stated.
The U.S. has reinforced its military presence in the Middle East, deploying two aircraft carriers, additional naval vessels, and warplanes amid ongoing tensions.
Talks between Washington and Tehran are expected to continue later this week.
