Trump Warns Iran: 'Can't Let' Nuclear Arms
Trump told Congress he would 'never allow' Iran a nuclear weapon as U.S. carrier strike groups and other forces are positioned near Iran and a third round of talks is set for Geneva.
Overview
During his State of the Union address, President Donald Trump said he would "never allow" Iran to have a nuclear weapon and asserted Iran is "working to build missiles that will soon reach the United States," according to his remarks.
The warning came as the United States had deployed carrier strike groups, warships, bombers and fighter jets within striking distance of Iran, according to reports.
Iran's foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei called U.S. allegations about Iran's nuclear program, ballistic missiles and the protest death toll "big lies" in a post on X.
Trump claimed Iranian authorities killed at least 32,000 protesters during recent unrest, according to his remarks.
A third round of Oman-mediated nuclear talks is scheduled in Geneva and will be attended by U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, according to reports.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources emphasize security threats and U.S. pressure by foregrounding presidential hawkish language and military deployments, prioritizing Trump advisers' deliberations while briefly noting Iran’s denials. Language choices (e.g., 'punishing strike'), selective sourcing, and placement of quotes amplify urgency and frame Iran as an imminent nuclear threat.
Sources (10)
FAQ
Operation Midnight Hammer was a U.S. military operation authorized by President Trump in June of the previous year that obliterated Iran's nuclear facilities and significantly set back Tehran's nuclear ambitions.
The U.S. envoys attending the third round of Oman-mediated nuclear talks in Geneva are Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.
Trump is seeking Iran's explicit commitment using the 'secret words': 'We will never have a nuclear weapon,' as a condition for a diplomatic deal.
The U.S. has deployed carrier strike groups, warships, bombers, fighter jets, and a massive armada to the Middle East, within striking distance of Iran.
Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated on X that Iran will under no circumstances ever develop a nuclear weapon, and their foreign ministry called U.S. allegations 'big lies.'
History
3 sources