Iran's Khamenei Calls for Expanded Military Capabilities

Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, urged for the development of the country’s military forces, including its missile capabilities, in response to growing threats from the United States. His remarks on Wednesday came after former U.S. President Donald Trump made statements indicating that he preferred striking a deal with Tehran over its nuclear program, but would resort to force if necessary.

Khamenei emphasized that Iran should continue to innovate and enhance its military technology, specifically its missile systems. He highlighted that Iran could not be satisfied with its current missile accuracy, indicating the need for progress. “Progress should not be stopped,” Khamenei said, stressing the importance of advancing military technology to ensure national defense.

His statements were delivered shortly after Iran's UN ambassador, Amir Saeid Iravani, condemned Trump’s comments, calling them “reckless and inflammatory.” Trump, in interviews with The New York Post and Fox News, had suggested that a deal to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons was preferable to military action, but did not rule out the possibility of bombing the country.

At a Tehran exhibition showcasing Iran's latest defense innovations, Khamenei expressed the importance of a strong defense posture, claiming that Iran’s enemies are wary of its growing military power.

Tehran has consistently maintained that its missile program is purely defensive, but Western powers view it as a destabilizing factor in an already volatile region. The U.S. and many allies believe Iran's missile and nuclear ambitions pose a serious threat to regional security.

Tensions between the U.S. and Iran have been rising since Trump’s restoration of the “maximum pressure” policy, aimed at curbing Iran’s nuclear capabilities by driving down its oil exports and imposing stricter sanctions. Despite Iran’s assurances that its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes, concerns persist about its uranium enrichment activities, with Iran recently accelerating its enrichment to 60% purity.