Trump Declares Iran Agrees to 'Never Have Nuclear Weapon' Amid Ongoing War
In a significant development, US President Donald Trump asserted on Tuesday that Iran has explicitly agreed it will "never have a nuclear weapon." This statement came during a press briefing in the Oval Office, where Trump projected confidence in diplomatic progress after nearly a month of intense warfare in the Middle East. However, the claim stands in stark contrast to public denials from Tehran, which insists no formal negotiations are underway, highlighting the complex and fluid nature of the situation.
Diplomatic Optimism Amidst Military Escalation
Speaking to reporters, Trump emphasized that diplomatic channels are gaining traction. He outlined his priorities, stating, "It all starts with: they cannot have a nuclear weapon. They said, what are the top 10? I said, number 1, 2 and 3 is they can't have a nuclear weapon... They have agreed that they will never have a nuclear weapon." Trump also mentioned receiving a "very big present" from Iran related to the Strait of Hormuz, interpreting it as a positive sign in dealings, though he did not specify details. He tied this gesture to efforts to reopen the vital oil shipping route, which has faced disruptions during the conflict.
The President underscored the US's strong negotiating position, adding, "We will have control of anything we want. If we can end this without more lives being down… I would like to be able to do that. They can't have certain things. It starts with no nuclear weapons, and they have agreed to that." Despite this optimism, Iranian officials have firmly rejected claims of ongoing talks, maintaining a defiant stance by vowing to continue fighting "until complete victory," even as international mediation efforts accelerate.
Potential Mediation and Proposal Details
Pakistan has emerged as a potential intermediary, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif offering to host talks between the involved parties. Trump acknowledged the involvement of multiple senior US figures in outreach efforts, including Vice President J D Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, envoy Steve Witkoff, and adviser Jared Kushner. Reports suggest that Washington has floated a 15-point proposal aimed at imposing strict limits on Iran's nuclear program. Key elements include ending uranium enrichment and transferring enriched material out of the country.
In return, the proposal offers sanctions relief and assistance with civilian nuclear energy projects, alongside guarantees to keep the Strait of Hormuz open for global oil shipments. There are indications that a temporary ceasefire could be explored to create space for negotiations, although no formal agreement has been confirmed. This diplomatic push occurs against a backdrop of escalating military actions, with the conflict showing little sign of easing on the ground.
War Intensifies as Talks Are Discussed
On the battlefield, the war continues unabated. Israeli strikes have targeted sites across Iran and allied positions in the region, while Iranian missiles and drones have hit Israel and neighboring countries. The United States is ramping up its military presence, with around 1,000 troops from the 82nd Airborne Division expected to deploy, joining thousands of Marines already en route to the Middle East. This build-up has fueled speculation that Washington is preparing contingency plans even as it pursues diplomatic avenues.
Simultaneously, the Strait of Hormuz remains a critical focal point in the talks. Disruptions to this key oil shipping route have sent global oil prices sharply higher, raising concerns about broader economic fallout. The interplay between military escalation and diplomatic efforts underscores the high stakes involved, with regional stability and global energy markets hanging in the balance.
