President Donald Trump said his country "does not need a deal with Iran to obtain enriched uranium," stressing that Washington is already able to access it. He downplayed Iran's ability to stop the US, saying, "I don't think they can stop us if we want to." According to Trump, there is currently no need to do so because the uranium was "buried" after storage sites were bombed during the past forty days of the war. He also revealed that the US monitors Iranian nuclear sites from space, threatening further strikes if necessary.
Trump confirmed that the option of sending special forces to seize nuclear materials from Iran was considered, but he rejected it to avoid repeating Jimmy Carter's mistakes. The operation would have required a one- to two-week military presence in the conflict zone, so it was not carried out. The US president emphasized that the country's main goal is to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, saying: "The Iranians will never get it." He believes Washington is handling this task well, and the essence of any agreement is to prevent Tehran from obtaining an atomic bomb, adding that the US will prevail either through negotiations or "by other means."
Speaking of possible negotiations, Trump named the immediate reopening of the Strait of Hormuz as the main condition. He is not seeking a personal meeting with Iran's Supreme Leader, but did not rule one out if a deal is reached. Washington demands practical guarantees of a separation between the nuclear program and regional balance before any settlement. Trump warned that a resumption of war is possible if Iran kills American soldiers, calling that a "good reason" for military action. Thus, the US leaves itself the choice between diplomacy and force to protect its interests and freedom of navigation in the Persian Gulf.
Trump also touched on the Lebanon issue, noting that it is connected to Iran, and said: "Hezbollah contacted us and asked: what do you think about a ceasefire?" He said he had spoken with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and with Hezbollah itself, expressing confidence in progress in this "long-standing conflict." Concluding, he said Lebanon deserves peace, emphasizing the US desire to reduce regional tensions. These statements reflect Washington's aim for comprehensive stabilization in the Middle East, where the Iranian issue remains central.
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What is the Strait of Hormuz and why is its reopening a key condition for the US in talks with Iran? — The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow maritime corridor between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, through which about 20% of global oil trade passes. Control of the strait is critical for the US because its closure by Iran could trigger a global energy crisis and undermine allies' economies. Reopening the strait means guaranteeing unobstructed passage for American and allied vessels, which is a "red line" in negotiations. Iran, by threatening to close the strait in response to sanctions, uses it as leverage, so the US demands its reopening as a condition for any agreement on the nuclear program.
What role does the Lebanese group Hezbollah play in the context of Iran's nuclear program and the regional balance of power in the Middle East? — Hezbollah is a key proxy ally of Iran, acting as a "frontline" against Israel. It distracts the attention and resources of Israel and the US, giving Tehran strategic depth for advancing its nuclear program. Moreover, Hezbollah's arsenal (including long-range rockets) poses a deterrent threat that restrains direct Israeli military intervention against Iranian nuclear sites. Thus, Hezbollah strengthens Iran's bargaining position: any attack on Iran risks provoking a war in northern Israel, which undermines the regional balance and raises costs for Iran's opponents.
Full version: ترمب: لا نحتاج لاتفاق مع إيران للحصول على اليورانيوم المخصب