President Trump asserted Tuesday that Iran is developing long-range missiles capable of striking the United States. Iran's foreign ministry swiftly dismissed the claims as "big lies," ahead of nuclear talks in Geneva.
Trump stated during his State of the Union address that Iran's current missiles threaten Europe and overseas bases, and that the nation is working on developing missiles that will soon reach America. US intelligence assessments suggest Iran is pursuing such capabilities, though likely a decade away.
Trump also accused Iran of restarting its nuclear program after US and Israeli strikes destroyed key facilities in June 2025. He warned Iran against rebuilding its weapons program, calling its efforts "sinister nuclear ambitions." Iran maintains it does not seek nuclear weapons and has a right to peaceful nuclear technology.
The President also claimed Iranian authorities killed 32,000 people during recent protests, a figure disputed by Iranian officials and various independent agencies. Verifying casualty numbers remains difficult following a country-wide internet shutdown in Iran.
These accusations precede a third round of US-Iran nuclear talks in Geneva, mediated by Oman. Trump expressed a preference for diplomacy but stated he would never allow Iran to possess nuclear weapons. Washington seeks zero uranium enrichment, missile program reforms, and an end to regional support for militant groups - demands Iran rejects. The US has significantly increased its military presence in the Middle East as talks continue.