Donald Trump says he wants Iran to give up entirely on nuclear weapons

Washington, D.C., June 17, 2025 — Former U.S. President Donald Trump has reignited the debate over Iran’s nuclear ambitions, calling on the Islamic Republic to abandon its nuclear weapons program entirely. His remarks come amid escalating tensions in the Middle East and renewed international scrutiny over Iran’s nuclear activities.

Speaking at a campaign event in Florida, Trump stated, “The United States cannot and will not accept a nuclear-armed Iran. They must give up their nuclear ambitions completely—not partially, not temporarily. Totally.” The former president’s strong stance has sparked a flurry of responses from global leaders, analysts, and financial markets.

A Familiar Stance with Renewed Urgency

Trump’s comments echo a hardline position he maintained during his presidency (2017–2021), when he famously withdrew the U.S. from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) in 2018. The multilateral agreement, signed in 2015 under President Barack Obama, aimed to restrict Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief. Trump criticized the deal as "weak and ineffective."

With Iran reportedly enriching uranium close to weapons-grade levels again, Trump’s rhetoric is viewed by many as part of a broader strategy to reassert American dominance on national security and foreign policy as he eyes a potential return to the White House.

Geopolitical Context and Nuclear Risk

Recent reports from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) indicate that Iran has increased its stockpile of enriched uranium well beyond the limits set by the JCPOA. Although Tehran insists its program is for peaceful purposes, Western powers remain skeptical.

Ali Vaez, Iran Project Director at the International Crisis Group, said, “Trump’s comments are likely to add more heat to the already volatile U.S.-Iran dynamic. They might also complicate diplomatic efforts by the current administration.”

Analysts fear that a hardline U.S. approach could push Iran further into the orbit of China and Russia, countries which have both signaled support for Tehran in recent months amid deteriorating relations with the West.

Potential Impacts on Oil and Defense Markets

Trump’s statements immediately reverberated through global markets. Brent crude prices rose 2.1% to $84.76 per barrel, as investors priced in potential disruptions to oil supply routes in the Strait of Hormuz, a key maritime chokepoint through which about 20% of the world's oil passes.

Defense sector stocks also saw upward movement, with shares of Lockheed Martin and Raytheon Technologies gaining 1.7% and 2.2% respectively, driven by expectations of increased U.S. military spending and possible escalations in the Gulf region.

Oil analyst Helima Croft from RBC Capital Markets commented, “Every time Iran’s nuclear issue flares up, markets get nervous. The risk of supply disruption becomes more than theoretical.”

Diplomatic Channels Still Open?

Current U.S. President Joe Biden’s administration, while facing mounting criticism for its “strategic patience” approach, has signaled that it remains committed to a diplomatic solution. Secretary of State Antony Blinken reiterated last week that “the window for diplomacy remains open but narrowing.”

However, Trump’s remarks may complicate those efforts. European leaders have expressed concern over the potential for mixed messaging coming from Washington. French Foreign Minister Stéphane Séjourné emphasized the need for a unified Western strategy, saying, “We must work together, not at cross purposes, to de-escalate this situation.”

Iranian officials, for their part, dismissed Trump’s comments as “irrelevant bluster.” In a statement, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Nasser Kanaani said, “Iran’s nuclear program is peaceful and will not be dictated by the rhetoric of former politicians seeking attention.”

Investor Outlook: Volatility Ahead

With geopolitical risks intensifying, investors are bracing for more volatility in global markets. Safe-haven assets such as gold and U.S. Treasury bonds saw modest gains, while risk-on assets including emerging market equities dipped slightly.

Market strategist Julian Emanuel of Evercore ISI advised caution: “Geopolitical rhetoric, especially from high-profile political figures, tends to unsettle markets, even if it doesn't translate into immediate policy. Investors should prepare for short-term fluctuations.”

The 2024 Election and Global Policy Implications

As Trump positions himself for a potential return in 2024, his foreign policy rhetoric is increasingly under the spotlight. The Iran nuclear issue, once seen as settled, is now likely to become a central theme of campaign debates.

Foreign policy analyst Dr. Anne-Marie Slaughter remarked, “Trump’s comments are as much about signaling to voters as they are about Tehran. He’s reasserting a muscular foreign policy vision that appeals to his base.”

Whether Trump’s stance will influence current policy or remain a campaign narrative remains to be seen. However, one thing is certain: the issue of Iran’s nuclear program is back at the forefront of global geopolitics—and investors, diplomats, and strategists are all watching closely.