Through the almost 40-day conflict, Iran’s missile infrastructure got here beneath heavy U.S.-Israeli bombardment, however Tehran continued to reply with missile and drone assaults throughout the area. File photograph
| Picture Credit score: AFP
Iran stated on Thursday (June 18, 2026) that its missile programme wouldn’t be a part of future negotiations with america, after the 2 sides agreed a framework deal for ending their conflict.
U.S. President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian signed a memorandum of understanding early Thursday (June 18, 2026), ending a regional conflict that erupted on February 28 with U.S.-Israeli strikes.
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The settlement lays the groundwork for detailed negotiations on Iran’s nuclear programme and sanctions aid for Tehran.
There is no such thing as a point out within the deal of Iran’s missile programme, a longstanding concern for Washington and its ally Israel.
“Our missiles don’t like in any respect to be talked about by anybody,” Overseas Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei stated in an interview with Iranian state tv.
“Iranian missiles are just for firing, not for negotiations. Iran’s defence functionality won’t be mentioned in any manner, in any course of or with any social gathering,” he added.
Through the almost 40-day conflict, Iran’s missile infrastructure got here beneath heavy U.S.-Israeli bombardment, however Tehran continued to reply with missile and drone assaults throughout the area.
Earlier than the conflict, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio had warned that Iran would want to barter over its ballistic missile arsenal, which Washington views as a risk to Israel and U.S. navy bases within the area.
Iran has repeatedly refused to debate what it describes as its defensive capabilities.
On Wednesday (June 18, 2026), Trump appeared to melt his place, saying it will be “unfair” for Iran to not have missiles.
“I am saying that if different international locations have them, it is a little bit bit unfair for them to not have some,” Trump stated. “A ballistic missile shouldn’t be the identical factor as what we’re speaking about after we speak nuclear.”
Printed – June 18, 2026 03:33 pm IST