Trump: Diplomacy preferred on Iran, but 'never allow' nuclear weapons under any circumstances

President Donald Trump addressed ongoing nuclear negotiations with Iran during his Tuesday State of the Union speech, expressing preference for a diplomatic solution while drawing a firm red line. "We are in negotiations with them. They want to make a deal, but we haven't heard those secret words: 'We will never have a nuclear weapon,'" Trump told the joint session of Congress.

Red Lines and Missile Claims

Trump declared that "one thing is certain: I will never allow the world's number one sponsor of terror, which they are by far, to have a nuclear weapon. Can't let that happen." He further asserted that Iran is developing long-range missiles that can already threaten Europe and US overseas bases, and "they're working to build missiles that will soon reach the United States of America." The claims come amid a significant US military buildup in the Persian Gulf, with two carrier strike groups deployed.

Geneva Talks and Iranian Response

Delegations are set to convene Thursday in Geneva for a third round of Omani-mediated indirect negotiations, following February 6 talks in Muscat and February 17 discussions in Geneva. Secretary of State Marco Rubio briefed senior lawmakers on Iran earlier Tuesday as the administration weighs options. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated Tehran will resume talks "with a determination to achieve a fair and equitable deal in the shortest possible time," while Iranian officials have consistently insisted their nuclear program serves peaceful purposes and demanded sanctions relief in exchange for any limitations.