Washington:U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday firmly restated his administration’s position that Iran must not be allowed to develop or possess nuclear weapons. His remarks came just ahead of a crucial diplomatic engagement scheduled to take place over the weekend regarding Iran’s nuclear program.
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, President Trump emphasized his hope for a positive future for the Iranian people while underscoring the clear limits the U.S. is prepared to enforce.
“I want Iran to be a wonderful, great, happy country,” Trump said. “But they can’t have a nuclear weapon.”
The statement precedes high-level talks expected to occur in Oman, where U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff is slated to meet with Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. The meeting aims to address growing international concerns over Iran’s nuclear activities and explore possible diplomatic solutions to reduce tensions in the region.
This diplomatic initiative comes at a time of increased uncertainty surrounding the 2015 nuclear deal—formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA)—which the U.S. withdrew from in 2018 under the Trump administration. Since then, Iran has gradually scaled back its compliance with the agreement, leading to renewed fears among Western nations about the potential for nuclear proliferation in the Middle East.
While the Trump administration has consistently maintained a policy of “maximum pressure” on Tehran through economic sanctions and diplomatic isolation, Friday’s comments suggest an openness to dialogue—provided Iran agrees to halt its nuclear ambitions.
The outcome of the upcoming talks in Oman may serve as a critical indicator of whether a diplomatic path forward remains viable or if regional tensions are likely to intensify further.