Trump Reaffirms Firm Stance Against Iran’s Nuclear Armament...Hints at Focusing on Ukraine After Middle East Stabilizes

Dismisses Possibility of Economic Aid to Iran

Refutes Conservative Criticism of the Agreement

Expresses Displeasure Over Israel's Actions

U.S. President Donald Trump reaffirmed his firm stance against nuclear armament by Iran on the 16th (local time). He also announced that the U.S.-Iran cessation of hostilities memorandum of understanding (MOU) has entered the follow-up negotiation phase, suggesting that if the situation in the Middle East stabilizes, the U.S. will shift its diplomatic and security focus to the war in Ukraine.

U.S. President Donald Trump. White House

According to AFP and other sources, President Trump, after meeting with Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Emir of Qatar, on the second day of the Group of Seven (G7) summit in Canada, told reporters, "Iran will never be allowed to possess nuclear weapons, and any attempts to develop or purchase them will not be tolerated."

He stated, "This was one of my key conditions for signing the agreement," and warned, "If Iran violates this and seeks to obtain nuclear weapons, they will pay a tremendous price." He further intensified his warning by saying, "They will face a hellish disaster."

President Trump said that the cessation of hostilities agreement between the U.S. and Iran "has now moved to phase two," adding, "In fact, phase two may be even easier." However, he did not disclose specific details about the follow-up negotiations.

In particular, he dismissed speculation in some parts of the market regarding possible U.S. economic aid to Iran. President Trump asserted, "We will not invest any money in Iran," drawing a clear line against the previously raised possibility of creating a large-scale reconstruction fund.

He also emphasized that the U.S. does not seek regime change, saying, "Iran now has a reasonable leadership." Instead, he reaffirmed the existing U.S. position that it would retrieve Iran's enriched uranium through a future agreement. He projected that the reconstruction of Iran would take several years.

President Trump directly refuted criticism from hardline conservatives in the U.S. who labeled the agreement as a "concession to Iran" or "practically a surrender." He described the agreement as "an excellent document," and said he was considering sending it to Congress for review. He added that he would release the full text of the agreement within the next few days and "read it out word by word at a press conference."

Regarding Israel's recent airstrike in Lebanon, he openly expressed his displeasure. President Trump said he conveyed his concerns about the Beirut airstrike to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and urged that Israel "act with greater responsibility regarding the Lebanon issue."

President Trump also suggested that if the Israeli military cannot contain Hezbollah without causing civilian casualties, then Syria should instead deal with the Hezbollah issue. However, he denied any rift with Prime Minister Netanyahu, saying, "Our relationship is very good."

President Trump stated that the Iran issue has entered a phase of resolution to some extent and expressed his intention to concentrate diplomatic efforts on ending the war in Ukraine going forward.

He noted that both Russia and Ukraine have suffered enormous casualties and urged, "Russia must reach an agreement." He also warned that the U.S. could soon resume sanctions on Russian oil, which had been temporarily suspended.

President Trump said, "I will do my best to resolve the war in Ukraine," and revealed plans to hold a separate meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.