President Donald Trump defended allowing Iran to retain some ballistic missiles as part of a new agreement aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz and winding down recent fighting in the region. He made the comments on Wednesday, June 17, during a press conference at the Group of Seven summit in France.
The emerging deal focuses on ending hostilities, getting oil tankers moving again through the critical waterway, and setting up talks on Iran’s nuclear program.
Trump Defends Decision to Allow Iran to Keep Ballistic Missiles
Trump said the U.S. would work with Persian Gulf allies on other issues, including conventional weapons, but drew a line on expecting Iran to give up its entire missile arsenal.
“They have to have some, because other people have some. You got to have some,” Trump told reporters as he pushed back against advisers who argued for a total ban.
“I like some of these guys, but I don’t think they’re smart. ‘Sir, you shouldn’t let them have any missile.’ I said, ‘Well, what am I going to do? Am I going to let Saudi Arabia have missiles, but they can’t have them?’”
G7 Remarks Reveal Split Over Iran Missile Limits
Trump downplayed the threat from the remaining missiles, noting that Iran’s ballistic missiles cannot be compared to the great danger that can arise if Tehran owns nukes.
“Missiles aren’t the problem. Missiles, they hurt a little location, but they don’t blow up the planet,” he said.
He added that U.S. and Israeli strikes had knocked out a large portion of Iran’s capabilities, estimating 84 to 85 percent destroyed, with the rest mostly stuck underground.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has described Iran’s ballistic missile production as “functionally defeated” after months of strikes that began on Feb. 28.
He said every company involved in building components for the missiles was hit and destroyed. Still, officials admit that Iran kept some stockpiles and mobile launchers.
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U.S. intelligence assessments from mid-May indicated Iran retained about 70 percent of its prewar missile stockpile and a similar share of mobile launchers.
The country had used missiles against U.S. bases in the Gulf and targets in Israel during the conflict. According to reports, Iran’s missile program remained a firm red line in negotiations.
Trump noted that Iran faces a tough road to rebuild. “They don’t want to be firing missiles right now. They’re going to have a hard time rebuilding,” he said.
The agreement, which includes provisions for sanctions relief and oil exports, intends to stabilize the region after fighting disturbed global energy markets.
Why the Strait of Hormuz Matters for Global Energy Security
Iran had restricted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz during the conflict by laying mines and threatening tankers. Strait of Hormuz handles about a fifth of the world’s oil supply.
The deal will reopen the Strait of Hormuz to toll-free passage, easing pressure on energy prices and international trade.
The G7 leaders endorsed the framework, but long-term limits on missiles were not spelled out.
Critics see Trump’s stance as a departure from past U.S. policy, which pushed hard to curb Iran’s missile development alongside its nuclear ambitions.
Some worry that leaving Iran with a significant conventional arsenal could encourage future aggression in the Gulf.
Also Read: Trump Says U.S. Will Return to ‘Dropping Bombs’ on Iran if Peace Deal Fails, Slams Obama at G7
Trump’s close allies and his supporters argue the priority right now is to stop the immediate fighting and prevent wider economic damage.
The Trump administration had described the strikes as necessary to strip away the protective umbrella of missiles provided for Iran’s nuclear sites.
Production facilities took heavy damage, but stockpiles proved harder to eliminate completely. Iran fired fewer missiles as the campaign went on, which security experts termed a real setback to its forces.
The G7 meetings also touched on major reconstruction ideas, including a potential $300 billion fund for Iran tied to further compliance.
Trump warned he would resume strikes if Iran violates the deal terms. The initial memorandum sets a 60-day window for more talks, with the focus on nuclear issues left for later.
He has repeatedly said the deal prevents greater catastrophe, such as prolonged closure of the strait that could have spiked oil prices worldwide.
