Tensions between Tehran and Washington flared once again after a blunt statement by the Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, who disclosed that the United States had urged Iran to restrict the range of its ballistic missiles to under 500 kilometres. The Iranian official firmly rejected the proposal, describing it as unacceptable and insulting to the nation’s sovereignty.
Speaking to local media, the top security chief stated in clear terms that no Iranian — regardless of political affiliation or ideology — would ever entertain such a demand, which he characterised as an affront to national dignity and a direct challenge to Iran’s strategic defence posture.
According to the Iranian official, the request was made during indirect diplomatic exchanges, possibly in the context of ongoing regional security talks or nuclear deal discussions. He stressed that the Islamic Republic would not allow any external power to dictate the limits of its defensive capabilities, particularly in the face of what it perceives as persistent threats from the West and its allies.
Iran’s missile programme, widely seen as a cornerstone of its military deterrence strategy, has long been a point of contention with the United States and its European partners. While Washington insists that Iran’s long-range missile development poses a destabilising risk to the region, Tehran maintains that its arsenal is purely defensive and non-negotiable.
The Iranian official’s comments reflect the broader consensus within the country’s leadership — that Iran’s missile capacity is not up for discussion, let alone restriction, under foreign pressure. He went further to suggest that such proposals reveal a misunderstanding of Iran’s strategic depth and the sentiment of its people, who, he said, view any compromise on defence as a compromise on sovereignty.
This statement comes amid renewed diplomatic efforts by Western powers to rein in Iran’s missile development alongside nuclear negotiations, though Tehran has consistently insisted the two issues are separate. The latest comments suggest that any future talks involving Iran’s missile programme are likely to face strong internal resistance.
