The Iran missile programme non-negotiable stance was reaffirmed by a senior adviser to Iran’s supreme leader as Tehran and Washington prepare for another round of talks aimed at preventing conflict.
Ali Shamkhani, speaking at a march marking the anniversary of Iran’s Islamic Revolution, said the country’s missile capabilities are a red line. According to state media, he stressed that the Islamic Republic will not discuss limitations on its missile arsenal.
His remarks come after US and Iranian diplomats held indirect talks in Oman last week. The discussions took place amid a growing US naval presence in the region.
[External source: State media report]
Iran Missile Programme Non-Negotiable Amid Renewed Diplomacy
Washington has long sought to expand nuclear negotiations to include Iran’s missile programme. However, Tehran maintains that talks should focus only on nuclear issues and the lifting of sanctions.
Iran has signalled willingness to discuss curbs on its nuclear activities in exchange for sanctions relief. At the same time, officials have repeatedly rejected any link between missile capabilities and any deal.
🔊 ‘The message that Netanyahu's office is giving is that any deal with Iran needs to also include curbs on its ballistic missile program and its funding of its proxies.’ @MaayanLubell tells Reuters World News what to expect from Trump-Netanyahu meeting https://t.co/TC46HOAtfc pic.twitter.com/CTuVksuN04
— Reuters (@Reuters) February 11, 2026Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to press the issue during a meeting with US President Donald Trump at the White House. Israeli officials reportedly want any agreement to include restrictions on Tehran’s ballistic missile programme.
Trump Warning and Regional Military Signals
President Trump has warned that military action could follow if negotiations fail. In media interviews, he said he would take “very tough” steps if Iran refuses to reach an agreement.
He also indicated that a “good deal” would mean no nuclear weapons and no missiles, though he did not elaborate on the details.
Reports suggest the US is considering expanding its military presence near Iran, including deploying additional naval forces. These developments have heightened concerns about a potential escalation.
Read: Iran Warns of Regional War as U.S. Boosts Military Presence
At the same time, Tehran has vowed to respond to any military strikes. The exchange of warnings has fueled fears of a broader regional conflict.
Israeli officials remain concerned that Washington could pursue a narrow nuclear agreement without addressing missile capabilities. Netanyahu has said he plans to present Israel’s perspective during his discussions in Washington.
The upcoming diplomatic engagements will likely shape the direction of negotiations. While both sides continue to signal openness to talks, the question of missile restrictions remains a major sticking point.
