Bold claim, but the facts don’t back it up: Iran is not shown by U.S. intelligence as racing toward missiles that can hit the United States soon. That’s the central point about President Trump’s claim when he spoke to the nation on Tuesday night, where he stated that Iran is “working to build missiles that will soon reach the United States of America.” CNN’s sources stress this particular assertion isn’t supported by current intelligence.
This claim sits among a package of threats about Iran that the Trump administration has publicly highlighted as it braces for possible military action. Yet officials suggest the White House still prefers a diplomatic path, even as it signals serious concerns.
A 2025 unclassified Defense Intelligence Agency assessment noted that Iran could develop a “militarily-viable” intercontinental ballistic missile by 2035 if Tehran chooses to pursue it. However, two sources told CNN there is no intelligence indicating Iran is actively pursuing an ICBM program aimed at the United States right now. Iran does possess short-range ballistic missiles that could threaten U.S. bases and personnel in the region, which aligns with warnings the administration has issued.
Three sources confirmed to CNN that there has been no change in assessments about Iran’s long-range missile ambitions.
White House spokesperson Anna Kelly defended the president’s stance, saying Trump correctly highlights Iran’s grave concerns and its intercontinental capabilities, given chants against the United States.
In remarks to reporters on Friday, Trump said he was “not happy” with ongoing talks over Iran’s nuclear program, insisting Iran hasn’t been willing to meet the United States’ demands. He added that no final decision has been made about possible military strikes, with further discussions anticipated.
Since the 2003 Iraq invasion, the U.S. has assembled its largest-ever stockpile of military assets in the Middle East, a buildup Trump has repeatedly tied to the possibility of action against Iran.
According to briefing sources, Iran’s missile program did not come up in a briefing with Secretary of State Marco Rubio, CIA Director John Ratcliffe, and other top congressional leaders earlier this week.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told India Today TV that Tehran has deliberately limited its missiles to about 2,000 kilometers in range, framing them as defensive weapons. The State Department directed CNN to Rubio’s remarks from Wednesday.
When pressed about Trump’s claim, Rubio said he wouldn’t speculate on exact timelines but acknowledged Iran is “certainly” pursuing intercontinental ballistic missiles and appears to be expanding current missile ranges toward a capability that could reach the continental United States. He criticized Iran’s refusal to discuss its ballistic missiles in negotiations as a significant problem and noted that discussions have so far focused mainly on nuclear issues.
Rubio also commented on the DIA report, declining to voice judgments about intelligence conclusions but warning that the threat is real and that Iran’s conventional weapons could be used against the United States or Americans if they choose. On the nuclear front, he conceded Iran isn’t enriching right now but suggested the country remains intent on advancing that capability.
Separately, Steve Witkoff, a key U.S. negotiator, claimed last weekend that Iran was likely a week away from industrial-grade bombmaking material—an assertion that contradicts the administration’s narrative of having “obliterated” Iran’s nuclear program with last year’s strikes. Intelligence reportedly shows Iran’s efforts to rebuild its enrichment capacity, including installing more centrifuges and reactivating previously damaged facilities.
Analysts and sources caution that restoring a full-scale nuclear program would take longer than a week and that ongoing work is occurring in locations less vulnerable to airstrikes.
CNN contributed reporting from Alejandra Jaramillo.
