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Trump Says Iran Can't Test Missiles After Zarif Raises Idea of Talks

Michael Lipin

   President Donald Trump has responded to Iran's top diplomat raising the
   idea of talks about its missile program by saying Iran cannot test
   ballistic missiles that are seen by the U.S. as vehicles to carry
   nuclear bombs.

   Speaking to reporters Tuesday at a White House Cabinet meeting, Trump
   said that in addition to his belief that Iran must not develop a
   nuclear weapon, "they can't be testing ballistic missiles, which right
   now under that agreement [the 2015 Iran nuclear deal] '¦ they would be
   able to do."

   A U.N. Security Council resolution that endorsed Iran's 2015 deal with
   world powers "called upon" -- rather than obligated -- Iran to refrain
   from testing missiles capable of carrying nuclear warheads. The nuclear
   deal offered Tehran relief from international sanctions in return for
   constraining a nuclear program that Western powers fear could be used
   to make bombs. Tehran has long said its nuclear ambitions are peaceful
   and its missiles are defensive in nature.

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