Trump Warns Iran Over Missiles, Defends Tariffs

WASHINGTON: (Web Desk) – US President Donald Trump claimed that Iran is pursuing advanced missile technology capable of reaching the United States, while emphasizing that Washington still prefers a diplomatic solution to tensions with Tehran.

Speaking during his State of the Union address, Trump said Iran has already developed missiles that can target Europe and American military bases abroad. He alleged that Tehran is now working toward building long-range missiles that could eventually strike the US mainland.

A 2025 assessment by the US Defense Intelligence Agency noted that Iran could potentially develop an intercontinental ballistic missile by 2035 if it chooses to do so, though the report did not confirm that such a decision has been made. According to the US Congressional Research Service, Iran currently possesses short- and medium-range ballistic missiles with ranges of up to 3,000 kilometers (around 1,850 miles). The US mainland lies more than 6,000 miles from Iran.

Trump cautions countries against manipulating trade with unfair tariffs

The United States and Iran have held two rounds of negotiations aimed at reviving a nuclear agreement after Trump withdrew from the previous deal during his first term. Washington has demanded that Iran halt uranium enrichment entirely and address concerns over its missile program and regional alliances — conditions Tehran has rejected.

Meanwhile, Trump has reinforced the US military presence in the Middle East, deploying two aircraft carriers along with multiple warships and aircraft. While reiterating that he prefers diplomacy, he warned that the US would not allow Iran to obtain nuclear weapons.

During the same address, Trump criticized the Supreme Court of the United States for striking down several of his global tariffs, calling the decision “very unfortunate.” Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice Amy Coney Barrett were among those present. Following the ruling, Trump imposed a temporary 10 percent tariff under a different legal authority and signaled it could rise to 15 percent.

Despite economic experts warning that tariffs cannot realistically replace federal income tax revenue, Trump insisted that foreign nations would bear the cost and that the policy would ease financial pressure on Americans. However, research from the New York Federal Reserve suggests that most tariff costs fall on US businesses and consumers.

Trump also announced that Vice President JD Vance would lead what he described as a “war on fraud,” focusing on alleged abuse of public benefits in states such as Minnesota, California, Massachusetts, and Maine. He argued that eliminating fraud could help balance the federal budget.

The address marked the longest State of the Union speech in modern history, surpassing the previous record set by Bill Clinton in 2000.