President Trump on Tuesday laid out his red line on Iran, saying the Middle East nation must never have a nuclear weapon, adding that he’d prefer a diplomatic solution but is willing to use military force if necessary.
“I will never allow the world’s number one sponsor of terror, which they are by far, to have a nuclear weapon,” Mr. Trump said. “Can’t let that happen.”
The U.S. has been sending a massive buildup of warships and planes to the Middle East, with Mr. Trump warning of another possible attack on Iran after last year’s airstrikes on its nuclear facilities.
He accused Iran of pursuing “sinister ambitions” with its nuclear program and developing missiles capable of reaching the U.S. But he reiterated his preference for a diplomatic solution.
“They want to make a deal, but we haven’t heard those secret words, ‘We will never have a nuclear weapon,’” Mr. Trump said.
“No nation should ever doubt America’s resolve. We have the most powerful military on earth,” he said.
Democrats, who rarely stood during Mr. Trump’s address, stood and applauded his declaration that Iran should not acquire a nuclear weapon.
