Pakistan Says Iran’s Ballistic Missile Program Was Not Part of Understanding

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said Iran’s ballistic missile program was never included in the memorandum of understanding because it was never on the table. His remarks came in response to questions about the scope of the agreement between the two countries.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian then underscored that the issue would not be negotiable. “Iran’s ballistic missile program was not in the memorandum of understanding and will not be,” he said. “We will not negotiate with anyone over our defense capabilities.”

The comments make clear that, despite the bilateral understanding, Tehran is drawing a firm line around its military program. Neither leader indicated any change in position, and both presented the missiles issue as outside the deal entirely.