International

IIE DIGITAL DESK : The bold declaration likely to stir international debate, former U.S. President Donald Trump has reiterated his hardline stance on Iran’s nuclear ambitions, stating that under his watch, Tehran would not be permitted to enrich uranium in any capacity. The statement comes amid growing global tensions over the future of the Iran nuclear deal and speculation about Trump’s potential return to the White House.

Speaking at a campaign-style rally in Iowa, Trump addressed the crowd with characteristic assertiveness, vowing that if he returns to power, the United States will reimpose the strictest possible controls on Iran’s nuclear program. “Under a Trump administration, Iran will not be allowed to enrich uranium at all—zero. We gave them too much leeway before. That ends,” he said to thunderous applause.

Trump’s remarks revive a central theme of his presidency: maximum pressure on Iran. In 2018, he unilaterally withdrew the U.S. from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), the 2015 Iran nuclear agreement negotiated under President Barack Obama. The deal had allowed Iran limited uranium enrichment under strict international monitoring in exchange for sanctions relief. Trump called the deal “the worst agreement ever made,” arguing that it only delayed Iran’s nuclear ambitions rather than dismantling them entirely.

Since the U.S. exit from the JCPOA, Iran has gradually scaled back its compliance, enriching uranium well beyond the levels permitted under the agreement. According to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Iran has enriched uranium up to 60% purity—just short of weapons-grade levels—and has significantly expanded its stockpile.

Trump’s renewed opposition to any uranium enrichment by Iran appears to signal a return to an uncompromising position that leaves little room for diplomacy. His critics argue that such a stance could further destabilize the Middle East and diminish the chances of reviving any version of the nuclear deal. However, Trump maintains that only through strength and zero tolerance can Iran’s nuclear ambitions be stopped.

“Iran only understands strength,” Trump said. “When I was president, they knew not to test us. The minute Biden came in, they saw weakness and ran with it. We can’t allow that to continue.”

The Biden administration has attempted to revive negotiations with Tehran, but talks have stalled repeatedly. Differences remain not only over the level of uranium enrichment but also over Iran’s missile program, support for regional militias, and demands for U.S. guarantees that a future administration won’t again withdraw from any new deal.

Iran, meanwhile, insists that it has the right to peaceful nuclear technology under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), and denies it is seeking to build a nuclear bomb. Tehran has also demanded the full lifting of U.S. sanctions before any compliance steps are taken.

Trump’s latest declaration has drawn swift reactions from analysts and foreign policy experts. While some support his hardline approach, citing Iran’s past record of deception, others warn that such absolutist demands could close off any diplomatic path and lead to further confrontation.

Former Obama-era diplomat Wendy Sherman said in a televised interview, “Saying Iran should have zero enrichment might sound strong, but it ignores the realities of international diplomacy and the complexity of nuclear negotiations.”

key U.S. ally and vocal opponent of Iran’s nuclear program, officials reportedly welcomed Trump’s statement. Israeli leaders have long insisted that Iran must not be allowed to reach any threshold capability, and have repeatedly signaled willingness to act unilaterally if necessary.

With the U.S. election season heating up and Trump remaining a dominant voice in Republican politics, his remarks are likely to shape the debate around foreign policy and national security. Whether they lead to renewed pressure on Iran or deeper divisions among global powers remains to be seen—but one thing is clear: Trump is not backing down from his zero-enrichment stance.