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U.S. President Donald Trump used his State of the Union address on Tuesday to outline his case for potential military action against Iran, calling it the world’s leading sponsor of terrorism and warning that he would not allow it to acquire a nuclear weapon.
Speaking before a joint session of Congress at the U.S. Capitol, Trump accused Tehran of fueling regional instability by supporting militant groups, suppressing domestic protests, and advancing its missile and nuclear programs.
“The regime and its murderous proxies have spread nothing but terrorism, death, and hate,” Trump said midway through his speech.
The address came amid a significant buildup of U.S. military forces in the Middle East, intensifying speculation about a potential confrontation with the Islamic Republic. While the administration has increased pressure on Tehran, the president has offered limited details on the scope or timing of any possible action.
Trump claimed that Iran has resumed nuclear-related activities and is developing missiles capable of reaching the United States. He also held Tehran responsible for roadside bombings that killed American service members and civilians in past conflicts. Iran, however, maintains that its nuclear program is solely for civilian energy purposes.
The president said negotiations had stalled because Iran had not explicitly promised to forgo nuclear weapons. “They want to make a deal, but we haven’t heard those secret words: ‘We will never have a nuclear weapon,’” he told lawmakers.
In response, a spokesperson for Iran’s foreign ministry rejected Trump’s claims, describing them as unfounded and accusing Washington of repeating longstanding false narratives about Tehran’s nuclear ambitions and domestic situation.
Ahead of the address, Secretary of State Marco Rubio briefed the congressional “Gang of Eight”—senior leaders and intelligence committee heads—on developments related to Iran.
Democratic leaders called for greater transparency. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said any decision regarding military action should be publicly debated, warning that secretive operations could lead to prolonged conflict and unintended consequences.
Although Trump spent most of his nearly two-hour speech on domestic issues such as the economy and immigration, his remarks on Iran stood out amid rising regional tensions.
The president, who has long campaigned on an “America First” platform and pledged to end so-called “forever wars,” faces a public cautious about new overseas conflicts. Recent polls indicate strong support for limiting military action to direct and imminent threats to U.S. security.
Trump reiterated his preference for diplomacy but insisted he would act if necessary.
“As president, I will make peace wherever I can,” he said. “But I will never hesitate to confront threats to America wherever we must.”
