Pushing back against right-wing “America first” supporters who argue the US shouldn’t back Israel against its enemies, US President Donald Trump says stopping the Iranian nuclear program is a prerequisite for peace.
“For those people who say they want peace — you can’t have peace if Iran has a nuclear weapon,” he tells the Atlantic. “So for all of those wonderful people who don’t want to do anything about Iran having a nuclear weapon — that’s not peace.”
Preventing Iran from having a nuclear weapon is a vital US interest, he says.
“Iran cannot have a nuclear bomb, very simple,” argues Trump. “Regardless—Israel or not Israel — Iran cannot have a nuclear bomb.”
Trump argues that Iran “still wants to make a deal” over its nuclear program despite the Israeli attacks.
He also expresses optimism that the war against Hamas in Gaza is nearing its end: “Gaza is ready to fold — or just about ready to fold. We have gotten many of the hostages back.”
Your next read: ToI Editors' Picks
LIMITED TIME OFFER: Join The Times of Israel Community today and you'll receive a physical book of your choice, carefully curated by our editors.
Choose between two must-reads: When We See You Again by Rachel Goldberg-Polin, a searing portrait of a mother’s grief and strength following unthinkable tragedy;
Or Out of the Sky: Heroism and Rebirth in Nazi Europe by Matti Friedman, the gripping and surprising tale of a forgotten moment during World War II.
As a Community member, you’ll also enjoy our DocuNation series of outstanding Israeli documentary films, an ad-free experience of our site and podcasts, commenting privileges, and more.
CHOOSE YOUR BOOK
CHOOSE YOUR BOOK
Already a member? Sign in to stop seeing this
You're a dedicated reader
We’re really pleased that you’ve read X Times of Israel articles in the past month.
That’s why we started the Times of Israel - to provide discerning readers like you with must-read coverage of Israel and the Jewish world.
So now we have a request. Unlike other news outlets, we haven’t put up a paywall. But as the journalism we do is costly, we invite readers for whom The Times of Israel has become important to help support our work by joining The Times of Israel Community.
For as little as $6 a month you can help support our quality journalism while enjoying The Times of Israel AD-FREE, as well as accessing exclusive content available only to Times of Israel Community members.
Thank you,
David Horovitz, Founding Editor of The Times of Israel
Join Our Community
Join Our Community
Already a member? Sign in to stop seeing this
From the Liveblog of
Saturday, June 14, 2025
Add ToI as a Preferred Source on Google
