Iranian president rules out negotiations on missile capabilities during Pakistan visit

During his visit to Islamabad on June 23, 2026, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian held a joint press conference with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Pezeshkian stated that Iran's ballistic missile program is non-negotiable, claiming these weapons are essential for defense against potential aggression by the U.S. and Israel. He asserted that without such capabilities, Iran would face a scenario similar to the destruction observed in Gaza. Both leaders confirmed that Iran's missile program was excluded from a recent memorandum of understanding signed with the United States. Prime Minister Sharif supported Iran's position, arguing against double standards regarding the right of nations to possess ballistic missiles. Pezeshkian emphasized that regional stability depends on sincere cooperation. Separately, U.S. President Donald Trump reported that Iran has agreed to long-term, high-level inspections of its nuclear program.