Trump Accuses Iran of Developing Missiles Capable of Reaching the U.S.
President Donald Trump accused Iran on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, of building weapons capable of striking the United States, escalating tensions amid ongoing diplomatic efforts. The remarks came during Trump’s State of the Union address to Congress.
According to Trump, Iran has “already developed missiles that can threaten Europe and our military bases” and is “working to build missiles that will soon be able to reach the United States.” This development underscores growing concerns about Iran’s ballistic missile program and its potential impact on regional and global security.
Trump also stated that Iran had been warned against reconstituting its weapons program, particularly its nuclear capabilities, but continues to pursue what he called “sinister ambitions.” Despite these strong accusations, the President affirmed his “preference” for resolving the conflict through diplomacy.
The President’s address followed the announcement of an Executive Order reaffirming the national emergency with respect to Iran and establishing a process to impose tariffs on countries that engage in trade with Iran, as a measure to protect U.S. National security, foreign policy, and economic interests. The White House detailed the measures in a fact sheet released February 6, 2026.
Trump also warned that “poor things will happen” if Iran refuses to reach a deal on its nuclear program, suggesting potential military action remains on the table. According to the Associated Press, Trump indicated a decision could come within the next ten days.
Meanwhile, an incident occurred during the State of the Union address when a Democratic lawmaker was removed after displaying a sign reading “Les Noirs ne sont pas des singes” (“Black people are not monkeys”). TVA Nouvelles reported on the incident.
Iran, for its part, maintains its “right to defend” itself in the event of a U.S. Attack. The situation remains fluid, and the possibility of further escalation is a significant concern for international observers.