As the Trump administration escalates military pressure on Iran with a significant buildup in the Middle East, Persian Gulf states are cautioning U.S. officials that Tehran's missile program remains potent enough to target American interests, including over a dozen bases and tens of thousands of troops, according to two Western officials briefed on the matter.
Despite setbacks from Israel's strikes during the 12-day war in June 2025, a U.S. ally's assessment indicates key elements of Iran's arsenal, such as shorter-range munitions and launchers, have been preserved or rebuilt. These capabilities could enable effective retaliatory strikes in the Persian Gulf, the officials said, speaking anonymously as they were not authorized to discuss the topic.
Iran's missile threat has influenced Trump's decision-making, shifting from potential support for anti-regime protests to demands for nuclear talks. The U.S. withdrew from the 2015 nuclear deal under Trump's first term and now seeks limits on Iran's missiles and proxy support.
An Iranian diplomat told The Post that negotiations are impossible under military threat, deeming Trump's conditions "unrealistic."
