President Trump’s 14-year record shows unwavering opposition to Iran developing nuclear weapons, despite recent speculation.

Trump Reaffirms Commitment to Blocking Iranian Nuclear Program

President Donald Trump’s firm opposition to Iran’s nuclear ambitions has remained consistent for over a decade, despite renewed speculation and recent media reports suggesting possible shifts in U.S. policy. As negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program continue, Trump has reiterated that he will not allow the country to develop nuclear weapons under any circumstances.

Earlier this month, Axios reported that the Trump administration might allow limited low-level uranium enrichment in Iran as part of a broader sanctions deal, raising concerns among some of Trump’s allies. Shortly after, Trump publicly clarified on Truth Social, “under our potential Agreement — WE WILL NOT ALLOW ANY ENRICHMENT OF URANIUM!”

The Associated Press noted that Trump’s message appeared to undercut the initial proposal and highlighted perceived inconsistencies between statements from the administration and White House envoy Steve Witkoff. Still, Trump’s record remains clear: he has long stated that Iran must not have the capacity to develop nuclear weapons.

Trump’s strong stance dates back to 2011, when in his book “Time to Get Tough,” he wrote, “America’s primary goal with Iran must be to destroy its nuclear ambitions… We cannot allow this radical regime to acquire a nuclear weapon that they will either use or hand off to terrorists.” He also tweeted in 2011, “Iran’s nuclear program must be stopped – by any and all means necessary.”

After launching his 2016 presidential campaign, Trump repeatedly criticized former President Barack Obama’s nuclear deal with Iran, pledging, “Iran cannot be allowed to have a nuclear weapon and, under a Trump Administration, will never be allowed to have a nuclear weapon.” In 2017, he stated, “We will deny the regime all paths to a nuclear weapon.”

Current Policy and Ongoing Tensions

On the 2024 campaign trail and in recent interviews, Trump has reiterated the existential risk posed by nuclear proliferation. “The real threat isn’t global warming. The real threat is nuclear warming,” he said, referencing Iran’s progress toward developing nuclear capability. He criticized former President Joe Biden for allowing Iran’s program to advance, warning, “They’re way advanced now.”

At campaign events across the country, Trump has been recorded at least 34 times emphasizing Iran must not be permitted to develop nuclear arms. In Milwaukee, he told supporters, “They can’t have a nuclear weapon. And now, they’re very close to having one, and it’s very dangerous for the world.” In Iowa, he urged, “Don’t let Iran have nuclear weapons. That’s my only thing I have to tell you today. Don’t let them have it.”

As Iran continues to argue for its right to uranium enrichment, Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi announced from Cairo that Iran will formally respond to the U.S. proposal soon. The international community remains on edge, with the future of Iran’s nuclear program and the possibility of new agreements still uncertain.

Trump’s persistent stance against an Iranian nuclear arsenal underlines a central pillar of his foreign policy—a policy he continues to advocate on the campaign trail and in ongoing negotiations with global leaders.