DID Press: US President Donald Trump said Iran has developed significant missile capabilities that could threaten Europe and American military bases abroad, and is now working on missiles capable of reaching US territory.
Speaking during the annual State of the Union address to the Congress, Trump said Iran has “developed missiles that can threaten Europe and our bases overseas” and is pursuing systems that could eventually target the US mainland.
The remarks came as the US Department of Defense has recently expanded its military posture around Iran, deploying warships, two aircraft carriers, fighter jets, aerial refuelling aircraft and air defence systems.
Military analysts say the scale of the deployment reflects growing concern in Washington over Iran’s missile programme and regional influence.
Trump reiterated that his administration would not allow Iran to obtain a nuclear weapon.
The comments followed warnings earlier in the day from senior Democratic lawmakers, who after a briefing with the US Department of State and the Central Intelligence Agency cautioned against the risk of another war in the Middle East and urged the White House to persuade the American public before pursuing any military action.
Observers say highlighting Iran’s missile threat is part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to increase political and security pressure on Tehran and strengthen its case before Congress and European allies, amid heightened sensitivity in Washington over the prospect of another regional conflict.