'They Don't Blow Up The Planet': Why Iran's Missile Programme Is At The Heart Of US-Israel Dispute

Last Updated:June 19, 2026, 21:52 IST

Trump made a striking reversal on Iran's ballistic missile programme, saying Tehran should be allowed to retain "some" missiles, a position that has alarmed Israeli officials.

When US President Donald Trump declared war on Iran in February, he made the eradication of Tehran’s nuclear and ballistic missiles programme one of his top priorities, citing the threat to regional bases and allies. After striking a deal, Trump made a stunning U-turn, saying he could allow Iran to have some ballistic missiles.

While addressing a press conference at the G7 Summit, Trump told reporters, “I’m saying that if other countries have them, it’s a little bit unfair for them not to have some. If Saudi Arabia and Qatar, and they all have some, I would say in relative proportion, I think it’s okay."

“Missiles aren’t the problem… They hurt a little location, but they don’t blow up the planet (like nuclear weapons do)," he said, adding that issues related to missiles would still be addressed in subsequent rounds of negotiations.

His remarks took everyone by surprise, but the fiercest criticism came from Israel, which has long raised concerns about Iran’s ballistic missile programme. Israeli leaders have argued that the US-Iran deal does nothing to address Iran’s missile arsenal or its support of regional proxies, including Hamas and Hezbollah.

What Did Trump Say On Iran’s Missiles?

Before the war, Iran held the largest ballistic missile stockpile in West Asia. with between 2,500 and 6,000 missiles of different types. Some were capable of reaching Israel, with ranges of up to 2,000 km. Iran launched thousands of missiles towards Israel during the 12-day war last year and the one launched in February.

“We’re going to destroy their missiles and raze their missile industry to the ground. It will be totally, again, obliterated," Trump said on February 28, the first day of the war. However, as Iran raised the stakes by blocking the crucial Strait of Hormuz, the US scaled back its objective to “dramatically reduce" the missile programme.

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With the deal taking force, reports suggested that only a third of Iran’s missile arsenal was damaged, destroyed or buried. Intelligence reports suggested that Iran still had significant capacity to carry out missile attacks, even if it is unclear how many missiles the Islamic Republic has.

Why Is Israel Unhappy With The US-Iran Deal?

Israel was struck by surprise when Trump announced the preliminary agreement with Iran, which has no mention of Tehran’s missile programme. Trump’s de-prioritisation of the missile issue appeared to mark a shift for the US and a major setback for Israel, which has cast Tehran’s ballistic programme as a direct threat to its national security.

Israel had argued that Iran’s missile arsenal could help shield its nuclear programme and prevent international efforts to stop its development. Israeli analyst Danny Citrinowicz described the deal as a strategic “catastrophe", saying it reversed the goals of the earlier military campaign.

Israel has also argued that even if Iran were to agree not to develop nuclear weapons, a large and sophisticated missile arsenal would still give Tehran the ability to threaten Israeli cities, military bases and critical infrastructure. Israeli leaders have repeatedly argued that any lasting arrangement with Tehran should address both its nuclear and missile programmes.

“A final deal must permanently and verifiably end the regime’s nuclear program—including the removal of all enriched uranium from Iran and the dismantlement of all enrichment sites. The final deal should also address Iran’s illicit ballistic missile and drone program and end the regime’s financing of terror groups that wreak havoc around the world," AIPAC, a pro-Israeli lobbying organisation in America, wrote in a statement.

About the Author

Aveek Banerjee

Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master's in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in int...Read More

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