'Iran Will Never Have Nuclear Weapons': Trump Signals Tough Stance, Confirms Naval Blockade

US President Donald Trump has reiterated a firm stance against Iran’s nuclear ambitions, declaring that Tehran will “never have a nuclear weapon,” while confirming that a US naval blockade has already been put into effect.

Speaking informally outside the Oval Office, Trump made it clear that the central issue in ongoing tensions with Iran is its nuclear programme. He stressed that any potential agreement hinges on Iran accepting a complete halt to nuclear weapon development. According to him, while discussions have covered several areas, Iran has not yet agreed to this key condition.

Trump expressed confidence that Tehran may eventually concede, suggesting that Iranian officials have already reached out to resume negotiations. However, he warned that without agreement on nuclear restrictions, no deal would be finalised.

On the military front, Trump confirmed that the naval blockade began earlier in the day, describing it as part of a broader strategy to counter what he called Iran’s attempts to pressure the global community. He accused Tehran of “blackmailing the world” and asserted that such actions would not be tolerated.

The President indicated that the blockade serves multiple objectives—pressuring Iran back to the negotiating table while also aiming to stabilise global energy markets. He emphasized that the United States itself does not rely on the Strait of Hormuz for energy supplies, citing the country’s strong domestic oil and gas production. However, he acknowledged that the waterway remains critical for global energy flows.

Trump also made strong claims about Iran’s military condition, stating that its naval, air, and defense capabilities had been significantly weakened. He warned of serious consequences if diplomatic efforts fail, though he did not provide specific details.

Additionally, he revealed that several other countries have offered support in enforcing the blockade, with more announcements expected soon. On China’s position, Trump noted that while Beijing has not directly intervened, it is keen to see the situation resolved.

The developments signal rising geopolitical pressure in the region, even as diplomatic channels appear to remain open.

With inputs from IANS