US President Donald Trump has indicated that Iran may retain some conventional ballistic missiles under an impending peace agreement, marking a departure from prior US policy. The remarks came during a press conference at the G7 summit in France, where Trump also warned Iran of potential military action if it fails to comply with the accord. The memorandum of understanding, expected to be signed on Friday, does not include immediate sanctions relief for Iran, according to Trump.
Core Developments
Trump stated that a complete ban on Iran's ballistic missiles is unrealistic, arguing that other nations, including Saudi Arabia, possess such weapons. He claimed that the US has already destroyed about 85% of Iran's missile capacity. The president also hinted that he might not personally sign the agreement, suggesting his vice president could handle any fallout if the deal fails.
Deeper Context
The US-Israeli war against Iran began on February 28 with airstrikes that killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other top officials. Trump praised the framework agreement, calling it 'very strong,' and predicted that the deal would benefit global markets. He also forecasted further declines in oil prices, stating they might drop below pre-war levels. The president emphasized that the alternative to the agreement would be a worldwide economic depression.
Diverse Perspectives
Trump's remarks on Iran's missile retention contrast with earlier US policy objectives, which included dismantling Iran's ballistic missile capabilities. Some officials have questioned the shift, while others argue that the remaining missiles are largely ineffective. The president also joked about shifting responsibility for the deal's outcome to his vice president, adding a layer of uncertainty to the agreement's finalization.