U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated on Friday that Donald Trump is "the first American president to truly take concrete steps" to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon. His remarks were shared via the official State Department account on X.
"Every U.S. president has declared that Iran cannot possess a nuclear bomb. This is the first president to genuinely attempt to do something tangible about it. I can't see how anyone could disagree with that," Rubio emphasized.
He highlighted that the global consensus against a nuclear-armed Iran is virtually unanimous: "I don't know anyone who thinks it's a good idea for Iran to have a nuclear weapon, except the Ayatollah."
Escalating Tensions Amid Diplomatic Efforts
The comments come during heightened tensions, as the U.S. repelled another Iranian assault involving missiles, drones, and boats on the same day, while both nations are engaged in concurrent negotiations.
The military context is critical. On February 28, 2026, the U.S. and Israel initiated Operation Epic Fury, a joint air campaign that demolished key Iranian nuclear sites in Natanz, Isfahan, and Fordow, along with over 5,000 military targets during 38 days of operations.
This offensive followed Operation Midnight Hammer on June 22, 2025, where seven B-2 Spirit bombers targeted the underground Fordow facility with bunker-buster bombs. Trump summarized the outcome with three words: "Fordow disappeared."
Iran's Response and Ongoing Negotiations
Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei died on March 1, 2026, as a direct consequence of the attacks. The International Atomic Energy Agency confirmed in March that Iran had 5,500 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60%, sufficient for nine nuclear bombs.
In retaliation, Iran launched Operation True Promise 4 on April 28, 2026, firing over 500 missiles and 2,000 drones at Israel and 27 U.S. bases.
Amid the conflict, the U.S. and Iran are nearing a potential agreement, with Trump describing the talks as "very good" after 44 hours of negotiations and deeming it "very possible" to reach a consensus.
Both sides are discussing a 14-point memorandum including a moratorium on uranium enrichment, lifting sanctions, releasing frozen funds, and opening the Strait of Hormuz. The primary sticking point is the length of the moratorium: Washington demands 12 to 20 years of zero enrichment, while Tehran proposes five to 15 years.
Iran also demands $270 billion in war reparations as part of its 14-point peace plan presented through Pakistani mediators from May 1 to 3.
Economic and Military Pressures
Rubio had previously warned on March 4, 2026, that Iran would never be allowed to obtain a nuclear weapon, and on April 28, he accused Tehran of boasting control over 25% of the world's energy via the Strait of Hormuz, calling it an "economic nuclear weapon."
Trump, meanwhile, warned on April 6, 2026, that "all of Iran could be wiped out in a single night" if no agreement is reached, underscoring that military pressure remains while negotiations continue.
Understanding the U.S.-Iran Nuclear Standoff
What actions has the U.S. taken to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons?
The U.S., along with Israel, initiated military operations such as Operation Epic Fury and Operation Midnight Hammer to destroy key Iranian nuclear facilities. Additionally, diplomatic negotiations are ongoing to establish a moratorium on uranium enrichment.
What are the main points of contention in the U.S.-Iran nuclear negotiations?
The primary issue is the duration of a proposed moratorium on uranium enrichment. The U.S. seeks a 12 to 20-year period, while Iran offers five to 15 years. Reparations and the lifting of sanctions are also key points.