US President Donald Trump has asserted that Iran has “virtually given up” its ambitions to develop nuclear weapons, marking a significant claim regarding one of the central objectives of his administration’s ongoing military engagement with Tehran. The conflict, now entering its eighth month, has seen persistent tensions between the two nations.
Speaking to reporters as he left the White House for a rally in Ohio, Trump also addressed the state of energy markets. He claimed that oil prices are currently decreasing, having previously remained elevated following joint US and Israeli strikes against Iran on February 28. “Oil is coming down. Oil is right now lower, and it's been lower than it was under the Biden administration, and they did nothing about the fact that Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon,” Trump stated. He then added, “By the way, Iran, as you know, has virtually given up any plans of a nuclear weapon.”
Tehran has consistently refuted allegations from the US and Israel that it intends to acquire nuclear capabilities. During his visit to New York for the UN General Assembly last month, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian reiterated this stance. Pezeshkian explained that Iran does not seek nuclear weapons due to a religious prohibition and proposed diluting its enriched uranium stockpiles under the supervision of international verifiers. However, Iran maintains that it will not compromise on its civilian nuclear program or accept structural concessions unless the United States removes existing economic sanctions.
The President’s remarks come as the Republican Party navigates a competitive race for a US Senate seat in Ohio, aiming to protect its slim congressional majority. The campaign is unfolding amidst political challenges for incumbent Republican senators, as public support for the war in Iran has waned due to rising costs for gasoline and essential goods.
In anticipation of potential renewed combat, the US military has reportedly deployed two additional Patriot missile batteries to the region. One battery was sent to Saudi Arabia last month to safeguard a major oil facility, while another was positioned in Qatar to protect a natural gas installation. These deployments are intended to reassure both nations that the United States remains committed to defending their critical energy infrastructure should the US resume major military operations against Iran.
