Trump: Iran developing missiles that could hit U.S.

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday warned that Iran is working to develop missiles capable of striking the United States and accused Tehran of attempting to revive its nuclear program, despite last year’s American strikes on key Iranian nuclear sites.

Addressing lawmakers during his State of the Union, Trump said:

“They’ve already developed missiles that can threaten Europe and our bases overseas, and they’re working to build missiles that will soon reach the United States of America.”

The warning comes amid tense negotiations between Washington and Tehran over Iran’s nuclear program, ballistic missile development, and backing of armed groups in the region. While Trump emphasized his preference for diplomacy, he stressed the US is ready to use force if talks fail.

The US Defense Intelligence Agency had previously assessed in 2025 that Iran could develop a militarily viable intercontinental ballistic missile by 2035 if it chooses, though no evidence indicates the country has made that decision. Currently, Iran’s missile inventory is limited to short- and medium-range systems with a maximum reach of about 1,850 miles (3,000 kilometers), well short of the continental US, which is over 6,000 miles from Iran.

Trump also claimed Iran is seeking to “start all over again” with its nuclear ambitions after last year’s strikes on three nuclear sites, which he said destroyed Tehran’s atomic capabilities.

In a show of deterrence, the US has deployed a major military force to the Middle East, including two aircraft carriers, more than a dozen ships, and a large number of warplanes.

“My preference is to solve this problem through diplomacy, but one thing is certain: I will never allow the world’s number one sponsor of terror, which they are by far, to have a nuclear weapon,” Trump added.

The State of the Union focused largely on domestic issues. Trump briefly mentioned Russia, omitted China entirely, and touted his efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine conflict, claiming he has brought eight other wars to a close since returning to office in January 2025.