Trump’s Stance on Iran’s Nuclear Program

President Donald Trump stated on Friday that Iran has not agreed to halt its nuclear program or to give up its abundant uranium resources.

While speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, he expressed skepticism about Iran’s potential to pivot to a different approach, suggesting that their nuclear ambitions have been significantly rolled back.

Trump mentioned he plans to discuss Iran with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during his upcoming visit to the White House on Monday.

“I consider this a permanent setback for them,” Trump said while returning to New Jersey after the Independence Day events at the White House. “If they choose to start fresh elsewhere, that’s going to create issues.”

He emphasized that he would prevent Tehran from reviving its nuclear ambitions, adding that Iran is interested in a dialogue with him.

A UN nuclear observer reported on Friday that they have withdrawn all remaining inspectors from Iran to impede the country’s access to nuclear facilities previously targeted by US and Israeli strikes.

Both the US and Israel accuse Iran of enriching uranium to develop nuclear weapons, a claim that Iran disputes, insisting that its nuclear pursuits are solely for peaceful purposes.

Israel conducted its first airstrike against an Iranian nuclear site three weeks ago during a brief conflict lasting 12 days.

Following the US bombing of the Fordow facility on June 27, satellite images revealed significant damage to the site.

Despite IAEA Director General Chihurafaer Grossi’s assertion that regaining access to Iranian facilities is a priority, the agency has not been able to send inspectors back since the attacks.

Iran’s parliament recently passed legislation that suspends cooperation with the IAEA until they can ensure the safety of nuclear facilities.

The IAEA noted that Iran has yet to formally communicate this suspension. As such, the timeline for inspectors’ return remains uncertain.

Iran has criticized the agency for its May 31 report, suggesting it has contributed to an atmosphere conducive to military action, which prompted a resolution from the IAEA’s Governing Board declaring Iran in violation of its non-proliferation commitments.

US and Israeli forces either completely destroyed or severely damaged three uranium enrichment facilities in Iran.

However, uncertainty lingers regarding the status of Iran’s enriched uranium, notably the 9 tons that included over 880 pounds enriched to a high purity level of 60%.