Trump Vows to Prevent Iran from Acquiring Nuclear Weapons, Cites 'Evil Intentions'
United States President Donald Trump on Thursday reiterated his administration's stance that Iran must not be allowed to develop nuclear weapons, describing Tehran's intentions as 'evil' amid escalating military tensions between the two countries.
Speaking at the Environmental Protection Agency headquarters in Washington, DC, while unveiling his Ratepayer Protection Pledge, Trump stated that the US was 'doing extremely well' in its confrontation with Iran. He said: 'We're doing very well against the Islamic Republic of Iran—we're doing extremely well. They would like to do something, but I say they're not ready yet. They need more of the same. They've got some evil intentions. We cannot let them have a nuclear weapon.'
Trump further asserted that Iran must not even be allowed to consider acquiring nuclear weapons. 'We cannot let them even think about having nuclear weapons and that is exactly what is happening. They will never have a nuclear weapon... This should have been done by other American presidents or other countries. It didn't have to be us, but if we don't do it, nobody else will, but I will, and nobody else has the capability to do it,' he said.
The President also recalled building what he described as the 'greatest military anywhere in the world' during his first term, adding that it was being used more than anticipated. He specifically mentioned Venezuela and claimed the US was 'taking millions and millions of barrels of oil' to offset costs.
Separately, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced on Thursday that since resuming a naval blockade against Iran nine days ago, it had redirected 12 commercial vessels and disabled one to prevent ships from entering or leaving Iranian ports or coastal areas.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned that Iran would continue to 'pay a very heavy price' for its actions, describing President Trump's approach as 'an eye for an eye.' Rubio accused Tehran of repeatedly failing to honour agreements and indicated that Washington would maintain pressure until Iran was ready for a deal.
In response, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and Army launched retaliatory strikes targeting American military infrastructure in Kuwait and Jordan, claiming the destruction of key air defence systems, logistical depots, and drone facilities. Iran has long denied seeking nuclear weapons, stating its nuclear programme is for peaceful purposes.
The latest exchanges mark an escalation in the prolonged US-Iran standoff, with both sides signalling no immediate de-escalation.
