Trump stated that Iran must have some ballistic missiles because Gulf states possess them and warned that the U.S. would resume bombing if Iran misbehaves. These remarks have drawn differing interpretations regarding regional security, deterrence, and U.S. policy consistency. Sources confirm the statements but provide limited context on operational details.
“Trump: Iran must have 'some' ballistic missiles, as Gulf states also have them - Haaretz”
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Trump's remarks expose incoherence in maximum-pressure policies that abandoned verifiable limits in favor of threats, risking an arms race.
“Escalatory rhetoric and sidelining of multilateral diplomacy”
The comments reflect realist acceptance of regional missile balances and prioritize credible military leverage over negotiated constraints.
“Deterrence through strength and equal treatment of allies' defensive needs”
Acknowledgment of Iran's entitlement to some missiles aligns with sovereign equality, but the bombing threat reveals interventionist overreach.
“Rejection of double standards and expansion of state coercive power”
All views over-interpret the ad-hoc remark as deliberate policy while overlooking verification challenges and Iranian operational behavior.
“Signaling functions and unstated enforcement limits missed by ideological framings”
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