President Donald Trump stated that a nuclear deal with Iran is no longer required due to the significant damage inflicted on Tehran’s nuclear facilities by US and Israeli strikes.
During a press briefing at the conclusion of the NATO summit in the Netherlands, Trump mentioned plans for US officials to engage with Iranian representatives in the upcoming week but downplayed the necessity of a new nuclear deal with Tehran. “I don’t believe it’s essential,” he asserted.
Understanding the Situation
“We will be in discussions with Iran next week. There is a possibility of reaching an agreement, but I am indifferent,” Trump remarked. “They have engaged in conflict, they have fought, and now they are returning to normalcy. Whether we formalize an agreement is inconsequential to me.”
In response to the overnight strikes on Iranian nuclear sites by the US, Trump declared that Iran’s nuclear facilities had been completely decimated. He reiterated this assertion by stating, “It was total obliteration. No other military force could have accomplished this feat.”
However, Trump refrained from divulging specifics about the talks, including the location or additional objectives the US aims to achieve through the negotiations.
Assessment of Damage
Questions linger regarding the impact of the US strikes on Iran. Initial intelligence evaluations from the Defense Intelligence Agency, as reported by various media outlets including CNN, tentatively indicated that the crucial components of Iran’s nuclear program remained intact post-strikes. Trump dismissed these reports as “fabricated” during his Wednesday briefing.
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth acknowledged the authenticity of the assessment to journalists but emphasized its preliminary nature and the low level of confidence associated with it.
Path to Resolution
Earlier on Wednesday, Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed the US’s willingness to engage in negotiations with Iran if the latter desires a civilian nuclear program.
“Should the Iranian regime opt for a peaceful nuclear initiative, we are open to negotiations,” Rubio conveyed in an interview with POLITICO at the summit. “However, nuclear armament is off the table.” Rubio also serves as the acting national security adviser to President Trump.
The conflict between Israel and Iran erupted nearly two weeks ago when Israel targeted Iran’s military and nuclear installations. Following 12 days of hostilities, a ceasefire was announced on Tuesday, which appeared to be holding steady as of Wednesday.
