05 June,2026 12:03 PM IST | Washington | mid-day online correspondent
US President Donald Trump. Pic/AFP
US President Donald Trump has reiterated that preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon remains the central objective of Washington's policy towards Tehran, while expressing confidence that the United States will achieve its goals either through diplomacy or other means.
Speaking to reporters at the White House on Thursday, Trump said negotiations with Iran are continuing, but stressed that any future agreement must ensure Tehran is permanently barred from developing nuclear weapons.
Addressing questions about ongoing discussions with Iran, Trump said the primary focus of the negotiations has not changed.
According to the US President, the United States is seeking a deal that would prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons under any circumstances. He maintained that Washington's objective is to resolve the issue through diplomatic channels but asserted that the US would ultimately secure its desired outcome.
Trump said the administration remains engaged in talks and suggested that discussions are progressing, although he stopped short of predicting when a final agreement might be reached.
The US President also criticised the nuclear agreement negotiated during the administration of former President Barack Obama, arguing that it failed to adequately prevent Iran from pursuing nuclear capabilities.
Trump reiterated his longstanding criticism of the agreement, which he withdrew the United States from during his first term in office. He claimed that any potential new arrangement under his administration would differ significantly and would contain stronger safeguards against nuclear proliferation.
According to Trump, the proposed framework being discussed would ensure that Iran would never be able to develop or possess a nuclear weapon.
During the interaction, Trump also defended earlier US military strikes targeting Iranian nuclear infrastructure. He argued that the operations caused extensive damage to facilities associated with Tehran's nuclear programme.
The US President claimed that the targeted sites remain under surveillance and maintained that previous military action had significantly weakened Iran's nuclear capabilities.
His comments come amid continuing international debate over the effectiveness and long-term impact of military operations on Iran's nuclear infrastructure.
Trump also addressed broader security concerns in the region and warned of a swift response if American military personnel were targeted.
When asked about the possibility of attacks on US troops, the US President indicated that Washington would react decisively to any such incident. His remarks underscored the continued tensions that remain despite ongoing diplomatic engagement between the two countries.
Despite his tough rhetoric, Trump signalled that diplomatic engagement with Iran's leadership remains possible.
When asked whether he would consider meeting Iran's leadership, the US President said he remained open to discussions if doing so could help secure an agreement. He suggested that dialogue remains an option as negotiations continue.
The comments reflect the administration's dual-track approach of maintaining diplomatic channels while continuing to exert pressure on Tehran over its nuclear programme and regional activities.
Trump also discussed regional security issues, including freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most critical energy transit routes.
The strait serves as a vital corridor for global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments, making stability in the region crucial for international energy markets. Trump said the United States has consulted allies on the issue but emphasised that Washington possesses the capability to act independently if required.
The US President's remarks come as diplomatic efforts continue to focus on reaching a long-term arrangement concerning Iran's nuclear programme and broader regional security concerns.
(With inputs from IANS)
