Iran declares missile program non-negotiable as nuclear talks with US stall over distrust; Araghchi says defense capabilities off-limits amid Oman-mediated diplomacy.
Iran Stands Firm: Missiles Off the Table, Nuclear Talks Frozen:
Tehran has issued a stark warning: its ballistic missile program is off-limits for negotiation, while progress on reviving nuclear discussions with the United States remains stalled by deep-seated mistrust toward Western powers. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and other senior officials have repeatedly emphasized that Tehran’s defensive missile arsenal is non-negotiable, even as indirect talks mediated by Oman in early February 2026 produced only modest agreement to continue dialogue.
The statements come against a backdrop of heightened regional tensions, following U.S. military buildups, Israeli strikes on Iranian facilities in 2025, and Iran’s insistence on preserving its uranium enrichment rights. Araghchi described recent discussions as a “good start” but stressed that any deal must respect Iran’s sovereignty, with missiles firmly excluded from the agenda.
Muscat Talks Open on Nuclear Deal, Missiles Off Limits:
The latest developments stem from indirect negotiations in Muscat on February 6, 2026, the first high-level contact since major disruptions in 2025, including Israeli attacks that damaged Iranian nuclear and military infrastructure and subsequent U.S. strikes. Both sides characterized the session as constructive, with Araghchi calling it a “good start” in a positive atmosphere and President Donald Trump labeling it “very good,” signaling potential resumption early the following week.
However, Araghchi quickly clarified in interviews, that discussions remained strictly limited to Iran’s nuclear program. He rejected any inclusion of ballistic missiles, describing them as a “defensive issue” never part of the agenda. “Iran’s missile programme is non-negotiable,” he stated, warning that Tehran would target U.S. bases in the region if attacked.
This position was reinforced by other officials. Ali Shamkhani, an adviser to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, declared during February 11 events marking the 47th anniversary of the Islamic Revolution that “the Islamic Republic’s missile capabilities are non-negotiable.” President Masoud Pezeshkian echoed themes of a “wall of distrust” erected by U.S. and European actions, hindering progress.
Talks Resume on Nuclear Limits as Missile Row Persists:
Iran’s nuclear program has been a flashpoint for decades. The 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) limited enrichment in exchange for sanctions relief, but the U.S. withdrew in 2018 under Trump’s first term, reimposing “maximum pressure” sanctions. Efforts to revive the deal faltered, and by 2025, escalating conflicts-including Israel’s 12-day war on Iran in June-set back Tehran’s nuclear infrastructure while prompting nationwide protests brutally suppressed by the regime.
The 2025-2026 negotiations represent a renewed push under Trump’s second administration to secure a deal preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. U.S. intelligence assesses Iran is not actively pursuing weaponization but could produce weapons-grade material quickly if decided. Talks began in April 2025 but paused after the conflict; February 2026 marked resumption via Oman, a frequent mediator.
The missile issue is central to the impasse. The U.S. and allies, including Israel, view Iran’s ballistic arsenal-capable of reaching regional targets-as a threat, especially when paired with nuclear potential or support for proxies like Hezbollah. Iran frames missiles as legitimate defense, refusing to discuss them alongside nuclear matters.