Trump: ‘Will never allow Iran to have nuclear weapons…will resolve the issue through diplomacy’

President Donald Trump said he will never allow Iran to possess nuclear weapons, while stressing approval of a defense budget of more than $1 trillion.

In an address to the nation on the 24th (local time), Trump said, “We will pursue peace where possible, but we will not hesitate to confront threats.” He emphasized, “For decades, the United States has maintained a policy of never allowing Iran to obtain nuclear weapons.”

He went on to claim that Iran is attempting to develop missiles capable of reaching the U.S. mainland and rebuild its nuclear weapons program, saying, “We warned them about this, and they will never be able to have nuclear weapons.”

Trump also reaffirmed that he would prioritize a diplomatic solution. “Our objective is to resolve this issue through diplomacy. Negotiations are still ongoing,” he said, adding, “We will never allow the world’s largest state sponsor of terrorism to have nuclear weapons.” He added, “That must never happen.”

He also referenced strengthening military power, saying he had approved a budget of more than $1 trillion. “We have no choice but to be strong,” he said. “I hope we won’t have to use this great strength, but this is peace through strength, and it will work very effectively.”