President Donald Trump said Monday he is not rushing to open negotiations with Iran, despite Tehran’s public readiness to engage.
Speaking to reporters in Washington, Trump stated that recent U.S. strikes in June had effectively destroyed a key Iranian nuclear facility, eliminating what he described as Tehran’s immediate nuclear threat.
“They want negotiations. I’m not in a hurry because we eliminated their nuclear site,” Trump said.
He added that the level of destruction was so severe that Iran would have to start its nuclear program “from scratch.”
“The damage is so serious that the facility can no longer be used. They will have to build it all over again, and likely in a new location,” Trump noted.
The president did not clarify which specific site was targeted, though regional analysts suggest he may have referred to Iran’s Fordow enrichment facility, known for its fortified underground structure.
Support for Ukraine
Trump also addressed U.S. military assistance to Ukraine, confirming that shipments of American weapons have already been dispatched.
According to the president, the costs will be fully covered by NATO, reflecting his administration’s approach to reducing direct U.S. expenditures and avoiding deploying American troops on the ground.
“NATO will fully pay us back, and our troops will not be there,” Trump stated.
No Recent Contact with Putin
When asked about communication with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Trump said he has not spoken to him since announcing new sanctions against Moscow earlier this week.
“Putin has not yet confirmed his willingness to achieve peace,” Trump added.
Context and Next Steps
The president’s comments come amid increased tensions in the Middle East following U.S. military strikes on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure. Meanwhile, support for Ukraine remains a key element of U.S. foreign policy, with NATO allies committing to share the financial burden.
