Washington: A recent claim by US President Donald Trump that Iran is developing missiles capable of reaching the United States is not supported by current US intelligence assessments, according to officials familiar with the findings.
During his State of the Union address, Trump warned that Iran was working on long range missiles that could soon threaten the US mainland. However, intelligence sources say there has been no significant change in assessments of Iran’s capabilities.
A 2025 assessment by the Defense Intelligence Agency estimates that Iran is unlikely to have a militarily viable intercontinental ballistic missile before around 2035. Experts say that even with foreign technical support, developing and deploying such long range systems would take years.
Iran currently possesses one of the largest ballistic missile arsenals in the Middle East and has the ability to strike targets across the region, including US bases and allies. However, officials say it does not have operational missiles capable of reaching the continental United States.
Iran has developed space launch technology, which uses similar rocket systems, but analysts note that converting this technology into reliable long range nuclear capable missiles presents major technical challenges.
The White House defended raising concerns about Iran’s missile ambitions, with officials saying Tehran is moving along a pathway toward longer range capabilities. Secretary of State Marco Rubio also described Iran as progressing toward such capacity, while stopping short of saying it is imminent.
Iran has repeatedly denied seeking missiles with ranges beyond about 2,000 kilometers and insists its missile program is intended for defense and deterrence. Iranian leaders have also rejected accusations that they are pursuing nuclear weapons.
The missile debate comes amid rising tensions between Washington and Tehran. Nuclear talks have yet to produce a breakthrough, while increased US military deployments in the region have raised fears of escalation.
Security analysts warn that although Iran cannot strike the US mainland, it could retaliate in any conflict through regional missile strikes, proxy forces, or disruption of critical oil shipping routes.
The differing assessments highlight the growing political and security tensions between the two countries, even as diplomatic efforts continue.