Trump Administration Demands Iran Dismantle Nuclear Program, Warns of Consequences

The Trump administration is escalating its pressure on Iran, demanding the complete dismantling of its nuclear program or facing unspecified consequences, Fox News reports.

National Security Advisor Mike Waltz issued the ultimatum on Sunday, emphasizing a departure from previous approaches.

“This is the full program. Give it up or there will be consequences,” Waltz stated on CBS’ “Face the Nation,” calling for a “full dismantlement” of Iran’s nuclear ambitions.

He did not detail the potential consequences but affirmed that President Trump is considering “all options,” including diplomatic solutions.

Waltz asserted that a nuclear-armed Iran would destabilize the entire Middle East, triggering a regional arms race. He claimed Iran’s current national security situation is the worst it has been since 1979.

President Trump has previously threatened military action if Iran fails to negotiate a new agreement regarding its nuclear program.

While Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has expressed disinterest in negotiations with what he calls a “bullying government,” earlier indications from Iranian diplomats suggested potential for talks. However, this stance appears to have hardened recently, aligning with Khamenei’s position.

The original 2015 nuclear deal, negotiated under President Obama, restricted Iran’s uranium enrichment to 3.67% purity and limited its stockpile. Current estimates from the International Atomic Energy Agency indicate Iran’s stockpile has significantly increased, with a portion enriched to 60% purity.

US intelligence agencies assess that Iran has not yet initiated a nuclear weapons program but has taken actions that would facilitate the production of a nuclear device should it choose to do so.