World

🇮🇷 Iran Refuses to Negotiate on Missile Capabilities Amid Rising U.S. Tensions

Iran reaffirmed that its missile program is non-negotiable, rejecting any possibility of including it in discussions with the United States as both countries explore diplomatic efforts to avoid a regional conflict.

Ali Shamkhani, adviser to Iran’s supreme leader, declared that the nation’s missile capabilities remain a “red line”, insisting they will not be part of any future negotiations. His remarks came during a public ceremony marking the 47th anniversary of the Islamic Revolution.

This statement follows indirect U.S.–Iran talks held last week in Oman, meetings that took place as Washington strengthened its naval presence in the region — a move Iran views as provocative.

U.S. officials have long expressed interest in expanding nuclear discussions to include Iran’s missile program. While Tehran has shown limited willingness to negotiate on its nuclear activities in exchange for sanctions relief, it has repeatedly rejected any attempt to link the issue to its ballistic missile arsenal.

Regional tensions continue to rise as Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu meets with President Trump in Washington, where he is expected to push for missile restrictions to be included in future agreements with Iran.

Meanwhile, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi emphasized that missiles have “never been part of the agenda” in ongoing diplomatic dialogues.