Amid intensifying clashes between Iran and Israel, US President Donald Trump on Tuesday firmly reiterated his stance that “Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon. It’s very simple.”
This comes as Israel launched a series of airstrikes targeting Iran’s nuclear and military sites under Operation Rising Lion, claiming Iran was just months away from building an atomic bomb. “They were reaching a point of no return,” Israeli authorities said, adding that the attack was a necessary step to prevent a nuclear threat from Tehran.
“Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon, it’s very simple,” Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One, stressing that he’s not looking for a ceasefire but a “real end” to Iran’s nuclear ambitions. “They should have done the deal. I told them, do the deal,” he added. “I’m not too much in the mood to negotiate.”
Israel’s strikes have reportedly caused “significant damage” to Iran’s Natanz nuclear enrichment site, while the more fortified Fordow facility remains untouched, according to reports.
Despite Israel’s assertions, US intelligence assessments present a more cautious view. CNN, citing four officials familiar with classified briefings, reported that Iran may still be “up to three years away” from developing and deploying a nuclear weapon.
A senior US official said, “Iran is about as close as you can get before building (a nuclear weapon). If Iran wanted one, they have all the things they need.”
Trump dismissed a March statement from Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, who had said “Iran is not building a nuclear weapon” and that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has not authorized such a program since it was suspended in 2003.
“I don’t care what she said,” Trump responded. “I think they were very close to having it.”
According to defense analysts, Israel’s current operations may have only delayed Iran’s nuclear program by a few months, lacking the firepower to destroy underground, heavily secured sites like Fordow without U.S. assistance.
Brett McGurk, former top U.S. diplomat to the Middle East, stated:
“Israel can hover over those nuclear facilities, render them inoperable, but if you really want to dismantle them it’s either a US military strike or a deal.”
When asked about direct U.S. involvement, Trump said in an interview with ABC News on Sunday, “It’s possible we could get involved,” though for now, the U.S. has not taken part in the Israeli strikes.
Tensions between Iran and Israel continue to rise, with global powers watching closely for any signs of further escalation or potential diplomatic intervention.