Trump: Iran has effectively abandoned its 'nuclear weapon'

Washington – Agencies: US President Donald Trump announced that Iran has effectively abandoned any plans to acquire a nuclear weapon and that he will make a decision on the matter. In press remarks, Trump clarified that the economic sanctions on Iran have yielded results exceeding expectations. He stated that US military operations have undermined Tehran’s nuclear capabilities, and he criticized Democrats, saying they had done nothing to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear bomb. Trump reiterated that Washington would never allow Iran to acquire a nuclear weapon, emphasizing that this point is non-negotiable in any settlement. He indicated that Iran’s war would end soon, either through a deal or through military action. Trump described Iran’s situation as dire, pointing to a significant decline in its military and economic capabilities. The US president and his Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth, warned Iran to face the “hard way” if Washington decides to take action on its nuclear file. According to Fox News, Trump said, “The only question is: will it be the easy way or the hard way? We will resolve it the easy way or the hard way.” Hegseth, for his part, stated that Iran now has the option to do things the right way, without any leverage, or else it may be forced to face the hard way. Despite the exchange of threats between Washington and Tehran, the Iranian Foreign Ministry confirmed that it recently received a new US proposal. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Ismail Baghaei, at a press conference yesterday (Sunday), said that Iran had already responded to the US proposal. He also noted that the proposal resembles previous ones and focuses on the nuclear file, whereas Tehran wishes to focus on the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad-Bagher Qalibaf clarified yesterday that the Strait of Hormuz will not be reopened unless Iran’s seven conditions outlined in the interim agreement with the United States in June are met, according to his statement. Qalibaf said, “The Americans, who say different things in the media, have recently put forward proposals through a mediator. But they must realize that the era of procrastination and unilateral demands has ended.” For his part, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi considered that war and sanctions would be ineffective. In remarks yesterday, Araghchi said, “We hope the United States will move in the direction of wisdom and logic. If it heads toward military action, we are ready,” according to Iranian media. He also affirmed that his country is prepared to deliver a more destructive response to any military aggression. On another front, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Ismail Baghaei confirmed yesterday that there are very serious discussions within Iranian political circles about Tehran’s withdrawal from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, according to his statement. Baghaei said at a press conference, “This issue is of great importance and is being discussed in Iranian political and elite circles.”