During his State of the Union Address, President Donald Trump delivered one of his sharpest warnings yet to Iran, making clear that while he prefers diplomacy, the United States will never permit Tehran to obtain nuclear weapons. The remarks came as Washington and Tehran were already engaged in two rounds of negotiations this month, creating a tense backdrop of talks and threats.
Trump accused Iran of resuming its nuclear and missile ambitions, saying the country is “again pursuing their sinister ambitions.” He warned that the threat from Iranian missiles has already expanded beyond the Middle East, with US bases in Europe and overseas now within range, and that Iran is working toward missiles that could strike the continental United States.
The President recalled last June’s US military strike on Iranian nuclear facilities, referring to it as Operation Midnight Hammer. He claimed the operation “obliterated Iran’s nuclear weapons program,” and said Tehran was warned afterward not to rebuild. Despite that warning, Trump alleged Iran has begun restarting its program.
While the tone was forceful, Trump also acknowledged that negotiations remain ongoing. He said Iran wants to make a deal but has yet to utter what he called the “secret words” — a firm declaration that “We will never build a nuclear weapon.” Until that commitment is made, Trump signaled no deal would be acceptable.
Trump also painted a broad indictment of the Iranian government, accusing it of sponsoring terrorism worldwide and killing approximately 32,000 of its own citizens during protests. He maintained that US pressure had halted further executions. Despite calling Iranian leaders “terrible people,” he said his preference remains a peaceful resolution.