U.S. President Donald Trump said Iran must not be allowed to acquire nuclear weapons under any circumstances, arguing that an Iranian nuclear weapon could pose a threat to Israel, the Middle East and cities in the United States.
In a telephone interview published on Wednesday, Trump argued that Tehran might have acquired nuclear weapons if the United States had not attacked Iran’s nuclear capabilities with B-2 bombers a year earlier. Trump also claimed that Iran was two weeks away from acquiring a nuclear weapon and alleged that last year’s U.S. attacks halted Iran’s nuclear program before it was completed.
Trump claims control of the Strait of Hormuz
Trump said U.S. forces had established control over the Strait of Hormuz following the latest attacks. Claiming that the United States had struck 28 boats or vessels the previous night, Trump argued that Iran was unable to pass through the strait.
According to Trump’s assessment, Israel, the Middle East and cities in the United States could be targeted if Iran acquired a nuclear weapon. Trump made the remarks as a warning about the possible consequences of Iran possessing a nuclear weapon.
Understanding between Washington and Tehran
Tensions in the region rose after U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran began on February 28. Iran responded with missile and drone attacks targeting Israel and U.S. interests in the region.
Washington and Tehran signed a memorandum of understanding on June 18 concerning freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. Implementation of the memorandum was suspended because of disagreements over security arrangements in the strait.
