Trump: Stopping Iran’s nuclear program is in US interest and is vital for peace

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.”