WASHINGTON, D.C. – May 21, 2026 – President Donald Trump reiterated his firm stance against Iran acquiring a nuclear weapon, stating that ongoing negotiations with Tehran will not allow the Islamic Republic to develop one, “one way or the other.”
In a clip shared by the White House Rapid Response account (@RapidResponse47), Trump spoke from the Oval Office, seated at the Resolute Desk with staff and advisors standing behind him.
“Right now, we’re negotiating, and we’ll see, but we’re going to get it one way or the other. They’re not going to have a nuclear weapon,” Trump said.
He warned of the broader risks, emphasizing the danger of a nuclear-armed Iran leading to wider conflict. “You will have a nuclear war in the Middle East and that war will come here [to Europe and beyond],” he added, underscoring the issue’s critical importance.
The remarks come amid ongoing U.S.-Iran negotiations aimed at ending the 2026 conflict that began with U.S. and Israeli strikes. Talks have focused on a potential ceasefire, sanctions relief, reopening the Strait of Hormuz, and curbs on Iran’s nuclear program, including its stockpile of highly enriched uranium.
Trump has repeatedly expressed optimism about a deal while maintaining a hard line on the nuclear issue, describing economic concerns as secondary to preventing proliferation.
The post drew strong reactions from Iranian users and activists, many urging the U.S. to abandon negotiations and “finish the job” against the regime. Several highlighted reports of ongoing internet blackouts, protests, and crackdowns inside Iran, calling for support for regime change rather than deals with the current leadership.
Negotiations remain fluid, with both sides signaling interest in an agreement but significant differences persisting over enrichment rights and verification measures. Trump has indicated that a resolution could come quickly, either through diplomacy or other means.
This latest statement reinforces the administration’s “maximum pressure” approach combined with diplomatic engagement, a hallmark of Trump’s Iran policy.
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