Iran Declares Missile Program “Non-Negotiable” Ahead of Potential US Talks

Iran has declared its missile program off limits for negotiation as diplomatic contacts with the United States continue amid rising regional tensions.

Ali Shamkhani, an adviser to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, said Tehran’s missile capabilities represent a strategic red line that will not be discussed in any future talks. The statement underscores a core dispute between Washington and Tehran as both sides consider renewed diplomacy aimed at avoiding military confrontation.

Indirect discussions between US and Iranian officials were held in Oman last week, taking place against the backdrop of a growing US naval presence in the region. The military buildup has intensified pressure on Tehran while highlighting the fragile balance between deterrence and diplomacy.

Washington has long pushed to expand negotiations beyond Iran’s nuclear program to include its ballistic missile development. Tehran, however, has consistently rejected linking the issues, saying it is willing to discuss nuclear limits only in exchange for sanctions relief.

Iranian officials have emphasized that the country’s missile capabilities are essential to its national defense strategy and cannot be bargained away under external pressure. The position reflects longstanding policy within the Iranian leadership and signals limited room for compromise in future negotiations.

The issue is also expected to feature prominently in discussions between US and Israeli leaders, with Israel urging Washington to include missile restrictions in any potential agreement with Tehran.

Iran’s foreign minister recently reaffirmed that missiles have never been part of the diplomatic agenda, reinforcing Tehran’s stance that security capabilities remain outside the scope of negotiations even as broader talks remain possible.