Trump demanded that Tehran give up building nuclear weapons

TheUS would not like to pressure Iran, but Tehran cannot have nuclear weapons. This was stated by US President Donald Trump on February 4.

The remarks came after Trump signed a national security memorandum that puts "maximum pressure" on Iran's nuclear program.

"It's a very powerful document, but hopefully we won't have to use it. It's very tough on Iran, but it's necessary. We cannot allow Iran to have nuclear weapons. It is non-negotiable," Tampa Free Press quoted him as saying.

The US president also noted that Iran is "too close" to developing nuclear weapons.

Despite the tough rhetoric, Trump expressed his desire for peace in the Middle East and beyond.

"I would like to have good relations with everybody. They can't have nuclear weapons - that's my only condition. Beyond that, I would like to see peace," he announced.

Special agreement required: Iran seeks to restart nuclear deal because of sanctions

How the JCPOA will evolve under the new US administration

Earlier, on January 2, the Axios portal reported that then-acting US President Joe Biden had earlier discussed with his national security team plans for a possible strike on Iran's nuclear facilities. According to him, the discussion took place during a meeting that took place about a month ago and remained secret. It is clarified that the meeting was not prompted by new intelligence.

Prior to that, on December 13, 2024, The Wall Street Journal, citing informed sources, reported that Trump was considering preventive airstrikes on Iran in order to prevent the Islamic Republic from developing nuclear weapons. It was specified that this could contribute to the violation of the policy of deterrence of Tehran through diplomacy and sanctions. In addition, Iran's nuclear breakout is of great concern to Trump.

The head of the French foreign intelligence service (DGSE), Nicolas Lerner, said on November 30 of the same year that Iran's nuclear proliferation would become a serious threat in the coming months.

On November 21, 2024, due to the lack of cooperation on the nuclear issue, the IAEA board of governors adopted a resolution criticizing Iran. IAEA head Rafael Grossi stated on November 20 that Iran has begun preparations to stop building up its stockpile of uranium enriched to 60%. He specified that the IAEA and Tehran continue to discuss this issue.