By: Staff Reporter | The Point Africa News | Washington, D.C.
President Donald J. Trump warned on Friday that the United States would be prepared to use military force against Iran again if Tehran resumes uranium enrichment activities that Washington deems inconsistent with international agreements. Trump also stated that the U.S. would insist on renewed international oversight of Iran’s nuclear program, either through the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) or direct American monitoring.
The remarks came during a press conference at the White House, days after U.S. and Israeli forces carried out coordinated airstrikes on several Iranian nuclear facilities. The operation targeted sites at Natanz, Fordow, and Isfahan in what the Pentagon described as a “calibrated deterrent action.” Trump referred to the strikes as “a necessary step to prevent nuclear escalation,” adding that further military action remains an option.
“If Iran restarts uranium enrichment at any significant level, there will be consequences — military consequences,” Trump said. “They must agree to full inspections by the IAEA or by us. There is no third option.”
The International Atomic Energy Agency has confirmed that it was forced to suspend some inspection activities following the strikes, as Iran temporarily withdrew access to certain nuclear sites. Tehran has accused the United States of violating international law and has denied any ongoing effort to develop nuclear weapons. Iranian authorities have maintained that their nuclear program is solely for peaceful purposes.
Intelligence officials in Washington, however, estimate that the June strikes set Iran’s nuclear progress back by several months. While not a permanent solution, the action appears to have dealt a significant blow to Tehran’s ability to rapidly produce weapons-grade uranium, according to a classified assessment first reported by Reuters and later confirmed by senior U.S. defense officials.
