Iran’s Missile Program Non-Negotiable, Says President Masoud Pezeshkian: “Without Missiles, Iran Would Be Like Gaza”

Iran’s Missile Program Non-Negotiable, Says President Masoud Pezeshkian: “Without Missiles, Iran Would Be Like Gaza”

Iran Rejects Any Talks on Ballistic Missiles Amid Rising Middle East Tensions

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has declared that Tehran will never negotiate its ballistic missile program, arguing that the country's missile arsenal is essential for national defense and survival against external threats.

Speaking during an official visit to Pakistan, which has emerged as a key mediator in discussions between Iran and the United States over a lasting resolution to tensions in the Middle East, Pezeshkian emphasized that Iran’s military capabilities are not up for debate.

“Without Missiles, Iran Would Have Ended Up Like Gaza”

The Iranian leader made a strong comparison between Iran and the war-ravaged Gaza Strip, insisting that Iran’s missile capabilities have prevented potential attacks by Israel and the United States.

«“If the missiles we have for our defense did not exist, Israel and the United States would have ploughed Iran just like Gaza, showing no mercy to either the old or the young,” Pezeshkian said.»

His remarks come at a time of heightened geopolitical tensions across the Middle East, with ongoing concerns over regional security, Iran’s nuclear ambitions, and military activities involving various armed groups allied with Tehran.

Iran Draws a Red Line on Defense Capabilities

Pezeshkian made it clear that Iran views its missile program as a critical component of national security and sovereignty.

«“We will never negotiate with anyone, under any circumstances, ever, about our defensive capabilities,” he stated.»

The declaration signals Tehran’s continued resistance to Western pressure aimed at limiting its missile development and military reach.

US Previously Pushed for Missile Restrictions

Before recent diplomatic efforts intensified, Washington had sought to expand negotiations beyond Iran’s nuclear program. U.S. officials pushed for discussions covering Iran’s ballistic missile capabilities as well as its support for armed proxy groups operating across the Middle East.

The missile issue has long been one of the most contentious points in U.S.-Iran relations, with Western powers arguing that Iran’s growing missile arsenal poses a threat to regional stability.

Donald Trump Appears to Soften Stance

Interestingly, U.S. President Donald Trump has recently signaled a potentially softer position regarding Iran’s missile program.

Speaking at the G7 Summit in France last week, Trump suggested that denying Iran missile capabilities while other nations possess them could be viewed as unfair.

«“I’m saying that if other countries have them, it’s a little bit unfair for them not to have some,” Trump remarked.»

The comments have sparked debate among international observers, with some interpreting them as a shift in Washington’s approach toward future negotiations with Tehran.

What This Means for the Future of US-Iran Talks

Pezeshkian’s firm stance underscores the significant challenges facing ongoing diplomatic efforts between Iran and the United States. While negotiations may continue over Iran’s nuclear activities, Tehran’s refusal to discuss its missile program remains a major obstacle to any comprehensive agreement.

As regional tensions continue to evolve, the future of Middle East security may largely depend on whether both sides can find common ground without compromising their core strategic interests.

Keywords:

Iran missile program, Masoud Pezeshkian, Iran ballistic missiles, Iran US negotiations, Donald Trump Iran, Middle East tensions, Iran defense capabilities, Gaza comparison, Iran nuclear talks, Israel Iran conflictThis version is optimized for Google Discover..