Iran missile claims made by US President Donald Trump have reignited political tensions between Washington and Tehran. The remarks came during Trump’s State of the Union address where he accused Iran of working to develop missiles capable of striking the United States.
Tehran rejected the accusations and described them as big lies while the two countries continue sensitive negotiations on Iran’s nuclear program and missile activities.
The new exchange reflects growing uncertainty around ongoing diplomatic efforts and their potential impact on regional stability.
Trump says Iran seeks missiles able to hit the US
US President Donald Trump stated that Iran has already developed missiles capable of threatening Europe and American bases abroad and is working to build missiles able to reach the continental United States.
He said this during his State of the Union speech where he also repeated claims that Iran is rebuilding its nuclear program despite last year’s American strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities.
US intelligence assessments
According to a 2025 report from the US Defense Intelligence Agency Iran could technically develop an intercontinental ballistic missile by 2035 if it chose to pursue that capability. The report did not confirm whether Tehran had made such a decision.
Current Iranian missile capabilities include short and medium range systems with maximum ranges of about 3,000 kilometers according to the US Congressional Research Service. The continental United States is more than 6,000 miles from Iran’s western borders.
Tehran rejects allegations
Iran’s foreign ministry dismissed the recent Iran missile claims as false. Foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said the allegations about Iran’s missile program and nuclear activities represent big lies. He posted the remarks on X hours after Trump’s speech.
The ministry did not specify each allegation but emphasized that Iran views Washington’s narrative as politically motivated.
H3: Iranian officials respond
In an earlier interview with Al Jazeera Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that Iran lacks the capability to hit the US mainland but would target American bases in the Middle East if Washington launched a strike.
Iran has consistently denied seeking nuclear weapons and says its nuclear activities remain within peaceful purposes allowed under international agreements.
Disputed protest casualty figures
Trump also claimed that Iranian authorities killed 32,000 people during unrest that began in December and escalated in early January.
Iranian officials acknowledge more than 3,000 deaths and describe the violence as the result of terrorist acts driven by the United States and Israel.
The US based Human Rights Activists News Agency HRANA has documented more than 7,000 deaths and warned the real toll may be higher.
Diplomatic talks continue
Washington and Tehran have held two rounds of talks aimed at establishing a new nuclear agreement after Trump withdrew from the previous deal during his first presidential term.
Trump said he prefers diplomacy but will not allow Iran to obtain a nuclear weapon. He has deployed significant US military assets to the Middle East and repeatedly warned of military action if talks fail. Negotiations are set to resume on Thursday.
Conclusion:
The latest Iran missile claims reflect deepening mistrust as Washington and Tehran continue difficult negotiations. Both sides show willingness to negotiate while maintaining firm positions on missiles nuclear issues and regional security.
