‘They Want a Deal’ — But Trump Says Iran Hasn’t Said the Magic Words Yet

President Trump revealed during his State of the Union Address that Iran is interested in striking a nuclear deal with the United States, but said that Tehran has yet to meet the fundamental condition Washington demands. That condition, Trump described simply as the “secret words” — Iran’s clear, public declaration that it will never build a nuclear weapon.
Trump said two rounds of negotiations have already taken place this month, suggesting that diplomatic channels remain open. He acknowledged Iran’s apparent willingness to engage, but made clear that goodwill gestures are not enough — what Washington wants is a firm, irreversible commitment.
The president painted a troubling picture of Iranian military development, saying that missile systems capable of striking Europe and American bases overseas are already operational. He warned that Iran is now advancing toward long-range missiles that could eventually target the continental United States.
Trump also brought up last year’s Operation Midnight Hammer, the US military strike on Iranian nuclear facilities that he said effectively destroyed Tehran’s weapons programme. Despite that strike and subsequent warnings, Trump accused Iran of attempting to restart its nuclear activities, describing this as a direct provocation.
While his language was firm, Trump expressed a clear preference for resolution through dialogue. He said he would make peace wherever possible, but was equally clear that a nuclear-armed Iran represents an outcome the United States will not accept under any circumstances, diplomatic or otherwise.