Trump says preference is to solve Iran tensions through diplomacy | Nuclear Weapons News
Trump Advocates for Diplomacy but Warns of Threat from Iran During State of the Union
President Donald Trump addressed Congress during his annual State of the Union speech on Tuesday, expressing a preference for diplomatic solutions regarding tensions with Iran while also outlining the potential for military action. Trump accused Iran of ambitions to develop missiles that could threaten the United States.
In a belligerent tone, the President asserted that Iran is seeking to rebuild its nuclear program, which he claimed was severely damaged by U.S. airstrikes last year. “We wiped it out and they want to start all over again,” Trump said, suggesting Iran is once again pursuing “sinister ambitions.” His remarks came approximately 90 minutes into his lengthy address.
While acknowledging ongoing negotiations with Iran, Trump insisted that the country must commit to not pursuing nuclear weapons. “We haven’t heard those secret words: ‘We will never have a nuclear weapon,’” he stated. He emphasized his desire to resolve the matter diplomatically but insisted that he would not permit Iran, described as “the world’s number one sponsor of terror,” to obtain nuclear capabilities.
Trump referenced U.S. operations against Iran’s nuclear sites in June 2025, stating, “They were warned to make no future attempts to rebuild their weapons program,” yet asserted that those attempts continue. Iran has consistently maintained that its nuclear initiatives are intended solely for civilian purposes. Last year, U.S. intelligence and the United Nations’ nuclear watchdog found no evidence that Iran was actively developing atomic weapons.
In addition to nuclear threats, Trump claimed that Iran is working on missile technology that could reach the U.S. mainland, echoing assertions from Iranian state media. He also linked the Iranian government to roadside bombings that have resulted in casualties among U.S. service members and civilians, criticizing Tehran for its handling of recent antigovernment protests that have led to significant loss of life.
“Iran and its murderous proxies have spread nothing but terrorism and death and hate,” he remarked.
As tensions escalate, the U.S. has increased military presence in the Middle East. These comments coincide with preparations for a third round of indirect negotiations scheduled for Thursday in Geneva. U.S. representatives, including envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, are set to engage with Iranian officials, mediated by Oman.
Earlier on Tuesday, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi suggested in a social media post that a deal to avert conflict was “within reach.” He expressed Iran’s readiness to negotiate “with a determination to achieve a fair and equitable deal – in the shortest possible time.” Araghchi reaffirmed that Iran would not pursue nuclear weapons but also would not abandon its rights to peaceful nuclear technology.
He characterized the current moment as a “historic opportunity to strike an unprecedented agreement,” contingent upon prioritizing diplomatic efforts.
