WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump on Tuesday alleged that Iran is working to develop missiles capable of striking the United States and claimed that Tehran is attempting to rebuild its nuclear program following American strikes last year.
Speaking during his State of the Union address in Washington, Trump warned that Iran’s missile capabilities are expanding beyond the Middle East. He said Tehran already possesses missiles that can threaten Europe and US military installations abroad and is now aiming to produce weapons that could eventually reach American territory.
US intelligence assessments have offered a more measured outlook. In 2025, the Defense Intelligence Agency indicated that Iran could potentially field a militarily viable intercontinental ballistic missile by 2035, should its leadership choose to pursue such a capability. The report did not conclude that Iran had made that decision.
At present, Iran’s known arsenal consists primarily of short- and medium-range ballistic missiles. According to the US Congressional Research Service, these missiles have a maximum estimated range of roughly 1,850 miles (3,000 kilometers). By comparison, the distance between Iran and the continental United States exceeds 6,000 miles.
Nuclear talks and military pressure
Washington and Tehran have held two rounds of high-level negotiations intended to forge a new agreement on Iran’s nuclear activities, replacing the deal that Trump withdrew from during his first term. The discussions have also touched on Iran’s missile development and its backing of armed groups across the region issues Tehran has consistently resisted linking to nuclear negotiations.
The United States has reiterated its demand that Iran halt all uranium enrichment, a position Iranian officials have rejected. Tehran has also repeatedly denied seeking nuclear weapons.
Trump referenced US military action carried out last year against three Iranian nuclear facilities, asserting at the time that the strikes had destroyed Iran’s atomic program. On Tuesday, however, he claimed Iran is attempting to restart its efforts and is once again pursuing nuclear ambitions.
While emphasizing that he prefers a diplomatic solution, Trump made clear he is prepared to authorize force if talks collapse. “My preference is diplomacy,” he said, adding that he would not allow what he described as the world’s leading state sponsor of terrorism to obtain a nuclear weapon.
The administration has reinforced its position by deploying significant military assets to the Middle East, including two aircraft carriers, multiple naval vessels, and numerous aircraft. Further negotiations between the United States and Iran are scheduled to continue on Thursday.
Focus on Other Global Issues
Although foreign policy featured in parts of the address, much of Trump’s speech centered on domestic priorities. He made only brief reference to Russia and none to China, widely regarded as Washington’s principal strategic competitor.
Trump said he was working to bring an end to the war between Russia and Ukraine and reiterated his claim that his administration has helped resolve multiple international conflicts since his return to office in January 2025.
He also praised NATO’s decision to increase defense spending to five percent of member states’ gross domestic product a move he attributed to sustained pressure from his administration.
