By News Agencies

Iran has made it clear that its missile programme is off-limits in nuclear negotiations with the United States, signalling a major potential stumbling block in efforts to revive talks.

Ali Shamkhani, an adviser to Iran’s supreme leader, said on Wednesday during the 47th anniversary of the Islamic Revolution: “The Islamic Republic’s missile capabilities are non-negotiable,” according to state media.

The remarks come after a recent round of mediated talks in Oman between Washington and Tehran ended without a breakthrough. While Iran insists discussions focus solely on its nuclear programme, the US has pushed to include Iran’s ballistic missile development and regional alliances.

“The Iranians are saying we are ready to talk nuclear, but we are not ready to talk ballistics,” Al Jazeera’s Ali Hashem reported from Tehran, noting this remains a key sticking point for the United States.

Concerns are rising at home, too. Many Iranians, still scarred by last June’s 12-day war with Israel that claimed around 610 lives, fear renewed conflict. “Many here are quite concerned this could lead to something unfavourable,” Hashem said.

Washington and Tehran are reportedly considering another round of talks, though no date has been set. US President Donald Trump has sent mixed signals, describing the first round as “very good” but warning of military action if Iran fails to meet US demands. He also hinted at deploying a second aircraft carrier toward the region, echoing June’s bombing of three Iranian nuclear sites.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian struck a defiant tone, saying his country is ready to prove the peaceful nature of its nuclear programme but would not “yield to excessive demands.”

“Our Iran will not yield in the face of aggression, but we are continuing dialogue with all our strength with neighbouring countries to establish peace and tranquillity in the region,” Pezeshkian said.