U.S. Vows to Prevent Iran from Acquiring Nuclear Weapons

U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth said today (Sunday) in an interview with FOX News that yesterday’s talks in Oman between American and Iranian representatives were “productive and a positive step forward.”

Iran Will Not Obtain Nuclear Weapons

During the interview, the defense secretary addressed Iran’s nuclear program, stressing that the goal of the program is not purely peaceful. He noted that U.S. President Donald Trump has made it unequivocally clear that Iran will not be allowed to obtain nuclear weapons, and emphasized that this objective should ideally be achieved through negotiation.

U.S. Actions Against the Houthis

Hegseth added that recent U.S. strikes against the Houthis are meant to send “a clear message to Iran.” According to him, Tehran is closely monitoring U.S. military activity in the region, and these actions are intended to convey American resolve. “Iran must understand – if it wants to avoid the Houthis’ fate, it must enter real negotiations to dismantle its nuclear capabilities,” the defense secretary warned, drawing a direct connection between the strikes in Yemen and the diplomatic efforts with Iran.

“Trump is absolutely serious about ensuring that Iran cannot acquire nuclear weapons – and just as serious about the tools at his disposal to prevent it,” Hegseth said in the interview. However, he added that if negotiations fail, the United States has “other options” on the table.

First Round of Talks

The first round of indirect talks between the U.S. and Iran took place yesterday in Muscat, Oman, and lasted approximately two and a half hours.

Following the talks, U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff held a brief meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. Later, Araghchi stated that Iran is prepared to discuss only “the nuclear program and the removal of sanctions.”

The next round of U.S.–Iran talks is expected to be held in Europe this coming Saturday, April 19, according to Iranian sources. Oman is likely to continue serving as a mediator between the two sides.