Trump on Iran’s Remaining Missiles: ‘I’d Like to Eliminate It’
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump told reporters on Saturday that he would like to eliminate the estimated 15 percent of Iran’s missile-making capacity that remains intact after two months of U.S.-Israeli strikes, signaling that the administration’s military campaign against Tehran may not be complete even as diplomatic channels remain open.
The exchange came after a reporter asked whether the remaining 15 percent—which Pentagon officials believe Iran still retains after the initial waves of strikes on February 28—is strategically important.
“85% of Iran’s missile-making capabilities has been eliminated. Is that other 15% important?”
— Reporter“Well, I’d like to eliminate it. Yeah. I’d like to. It’d be a start for them to build up again, and yeah, I would like to eliminate it.”
— President Donald J. Trump
🎯 ‘I’d Like to Eliminate It’
Trump’s “I’d like to eliminate it” comment is not a formal order to the Pentagon, but rather a statement of intent. The president did not specify whether elimination of the remaining 15 percent would be a precondition for any final agreement with Iran, nor did he authorize new strikes during the press conference.
However, the remark is consistent with his earlier statements this week, including his declaration that “if they misbehave, if they do something bad… it’s a possibility that could happen, certainly” .
The exchange also highlighted the “Iranian capability gap.” The initial strikes destroyed Iran’s known launch facilities, hardened bunkers, and mobile launchers—but they did not destroy the country’s industrial capacity to rebuild.
Current estimates suggest Iran retains enough manufacturing capability to produce about 15 percent of its pre-war missile output, including:
- Production of solid-fuel rocket motors (less easily destroyed in air strikes)
- Some underground facilities that were not targeted
- Reload components for mobile launchers hidden in civilian areas .
Pentagon officials have previously informed lawmakers that even 15 percent of Iran’s pre-war capacity is enough to replenish a limited arsenal within months, provided Tehran can smuggle in raw materials .
⚖️ The ‘Boots on the Ground’ Conundrum
To “eliminate” the remaining 15 percent of Iran’s missile-making capacity, the U.S. would likely need a more sustained air campaign—or intelligence pinpointing dispersed underground facilities.
Trump has thus far resisted such escalation, telling reporters on Friday that he would “prefer not to” resume bombing “on a human basis.” The president has instead prioritized the naval blockade, which has choked off Iranian oil exports and contributed to widespread fuel shortages and inflationary pressure inside the country .
The White House is aware that further strikes on Iran risk collapsing the fragile ceasefire that has been in place since April 8. After two months of war, public support for further escalation is eroding, and Democratic opposition to the conflict is hardening in Congress .
📜 Diplomatic Options: The 14-Point Proposal
Trump’s “I’d like to eliminate it” comment came just as the White House confirmed it is reviewing a 14-point peace proposal submitted by Iran through Pakistani mediators .
The Iranian proposal, according to officials familiar with its contents, would postpone all discussion of Iran’s nuclear and missile programs until after a deal is reached to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and lift the U.S. naval blockade . This sequencing, which the administration has previously rejected, is the primary obstacle to accepting the proposal.
While Iran has not offered to dismantle its missile program, the proposal would, if accepted, freeze further development during the first month of talks . Experts believe that a month-long freeze would not permanently eliminate Iran’s remaining capacity, but it could delay Iran’s ability to increase its arsenal during the negotiation period .
🧨 ‘Start for Them to Build Up Again’
Trump’s warning that Iran would try to “build up again” reflects a long-standing U.S. concern. Iran’s missile industry is designed to be modular and redundant, meaning that even if 85 percent of visible facilities are destroyed, the know-how remains, and the regime has historically rebuilt its arsenal within a year or two .
Thus, Trump’s “I’d like to eliminate it” may be aspirational rather than a feasible military objective. The Pentagon could bomb every known missile facility, but Iran would still possess the technical knowledge to restart production.
The lack of a clear endpoint to the military campaign has led some lawmakers to question the administration’s exit strategy. Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.) said on Friday: “What is the definition of success? Is it zero missiles? That’s not achievable. We need a diplomatic off-ramp” .
📋 Key Takeaways
| Aspect | Summary |
|---|---|
| Estimated Remaining Capacity | ~15% of pre-war missile-making capability (Pentagon estimate) |
| Trump’s Response | “I’d like to eliminate it” — but not an order, just a statement of intent |
| Military Feasibility | Full elimination of Iran’s missile know-how is extremely difficult |
| Current Strategy | Naval blockade prioritized; further strikes risk collapsing ceasefire |
| Diplomatic Context | Iran has submitted 14-point proposal; US reviewing |
| Sticking Point | Iran wants nuclear/missile issues postponed to second month of talks |
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