U.S. President Donald Trump has reiterated a firm stance against Iran’s nuclear program, warning that Tehran must abandon its pursuit of nuclear weapons or face severe repercussions, including the possibility of military strikes on its nuclear facilities. Speaking during a White House meeting with Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele, Trump emphasized that Iran is dangerously close to acquiring a nuclear weapon and that the United States will act decisively if necessary.
“They can’t have a nuclear weapon, and they got to go fast, because they’re fairly close to having one, and they’re not going to have one,” Trump said. “And if we have to do something very harsh, we’ll do it. And I’m not doing it for us. I’m doing it for the world, and these are radicalized people, and they cannot have a nuclear weapon”.
This warning comes amid renewed nuclear talks between the U.S. and Iran, which resumed after years of deadlock. The first round of negotiations took place in Oman, with a second round scheduled in Rome. Trump expressed confidence that the issue could be resolved, describing it as “almost an easy problem”. However, he also suggested that Iran might be deliberately delaying progress, stating that Tehran is “slow-walking” the talks.
The current negotiations mark a significant shift from Trump’s previous term, during which he withdrew the U.S. from the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) - the nuclear deal designed to limit Iran’s nuclear activities in exchange for sanctions relief. Since then, Iran has ceased adhering to the agreement’s terms and has increased uranium enrichment to levels close to weapons-grade purity, raising international alarm.
Analysts note that Iran’s economic difficulties and diminished regional influence have made Tehran more willing to engage in talks, though the regime remains resistant to fully dismantling its nuclear program. Trump has made clear that he will not tolerate a nuclear-armed Iran and has set a two-month deadline for Tehran to accept a deal that would significantly reduce or eliminate its nuclear capabilities.
While the U.S. seeks a stronger agreement than the 2015 deal, including addressing Iran’s ballistic missile program and regional activities, Iran insists its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes only and has rejected demands perceived as excessive. The talks remain complex and fraught with tension, with Trump warning that failure to reach an agreement could lead to military action, potentially involving Israel.
The international community watches closely as the U.S. and Iran navigate this high-stakes diplomatic effort, balancing the threat of conflict with the hope of a peaceful resolution to one of the world’s most volatile security challenges.
