Gulf States Chafe at US-Iran Deal Omitting Missiles as Trump Backs Some Ballistic Arms
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Jun 18
Gulf States Chafe at US-Iran Deal Omitting Missiles as Trump Backs Some Ballistic Arms
3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Jun 18
Summary
Persian Gulf states are voicing frustration that this week’s preliminary US-Iran deal omitted any limits on Iran’s missiles and drones, despite those weapons hitting airports, energy sites, hotels and military bases during the war.
Trump deepened those concerns at the G7 in France on Wednesday by saying Iran should be allowed to keep some ballistic missiles because neighboring countries also have them.
That stance clashes with Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s earlier war aim of eliminating Iran’s short-range ballistic missile threat and denying Tehran the ability to menace neighbors and US bases.
Analysts said Gulf officials had low expectations for the talks but were still disappointed, underscoring how missile security remains a central regional concern beyond the preliminary deal.