President Donald Trump has asserted that Iran cannot possess nuclear weapons, suggesting instead the establishment of a "verified nuclear peace agreement" between the United States and the Islamic Republic. In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump stated that claims of the US and Israel plotting to "blow Iran into smithereens" are "greatly exaggerated."

"I want Iran to be a great and successful Country, but one that cannot have a Nuclear Weapon," Trump declared. He emphasized the urgency of initiating discussions for a peace agreement that would allow Iran to prosper legally. "We should start working on it immediately," he added, expressing hope for a future celebration once an agreement is reached.

The comments follow Trump's recent decision to reinstate a "maximum pressure" policy aimed at drastically reducing Iran's oil exports, a strategy he had previously employed during his initial term as president. This renewed approach comes amidst escalating concerns regarding Iran's nuclear program, especially in light of the nation's continued uranium enrichment, approaching levels close to weapons-grade.

Iran, which maintains that its nuclear activities are intended for peaceful purposes, contends that the US policy of maximum pressure is ineffective and continues to undermine diplomatic efforts. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi stated, "Maximum pressure is a failed experience and trying it again will lead to another failure," insisting that if the international community’s concerns are genuinely about preventing nuclear weapons, that could be easily addressed.

Trump's administration previously withdrew from the landmark 2015 nuclear agreement, which had promised to limit Iran's nuclear ambitions in exchange for sanctions relief. Following this withdrawal, Iran increased uranium enrichment to levels that concern Western powers, leading to increased tensions in the region.

In a recent interview, Trump expressed a conditional openness to negotiations, while concurrently warning that any attempts on Iran's part to harm him would result in severe repercussions. "If Iran tries to assassinate me, they will face obliteration," he warned, signaling his administration's stringent stance on national security.

These developments come against a backdrop of complex geopolitical dynamics in the Middle East, vast historical tensions, and ongoing debates about nuclear proliferation. Concerns remain high regarding the implications of a nuclear-capable Iran on regional stability, particularly regarding its adversarial relationship with Israel, which is believed to possess nuclear weapons.

For more details, see the full reports from India Times, Newsweek, and The Hill.