Speaking to reporters in Paris on Wednesday, U.S. President Donald Trump made a surprising statement regarding Iran’s military capabilities, arguing that denying the country ballistic missiles while other nations possess them is inequitable.
“I’m saying that if other countries have them, it’s a little bit unfair for them not to have some,” Trump said during the Paris press appearance.
Trump went further, suggesting that Iran having missiles on par with neighboring countries would be acceptable. “If Saudi Arabia and Qatar, and they all have some, I would say in relative proportion, I think it’s okay,” he added.
The president also addressed the ongoing U.S. military presence in the Gulf region, saying American forces would remain there “for a while” following an agreement between Washington and Tehran that brought an end to nearly four months of conflict in the region.
