Trump: If other countries have ballistic missiles, Iran should also have the same capability

U.S. President Donald Trump has said in recent remarks that if other countries in the region possess ballistic missiles, then depriving Iran of such capability could be considered “unfair.” Responding on Wednesday to questions from journalists about his previous statements, which were interpreted as support for Iran’s missile program, Trump said: “If other countries have these missiles, then it would be somewhat unfair for Iran to be deprived of them.” He stressed that the issue of ballistic missiles is separate from the nuclear program, adding: “When we talk about the nuclear issue, that is a different matter. But if Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and other countries have such capabilities, then in my view Iran also has the right to have the same level of capability.” The U.S. president also said that the balance of military capabilities among regional countries should be assessed in a realistic way, while emphasizing that the nuclear weapons issue is separate and carries particular sensitivity.