How Iran’s nuclear gains complicate Trump's desire for a 'stronger' deal
President Trump says he's seeking an Iranian nuclear deal stronger than the one he trashed in his first term. But with Iran's nuclear program more advanced than ever before, is that even possible?
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WASHINGTON — Ahead of nuclear talks in Oman on Saturday, President Donald Trump says he wants an Iranian nuclear deal “stronger” than the one he abandoned in 2018. The jury is still out on what he means by that.
National security adviser Mike Waltz has said the administration seeks “full dismantlement” of Iran’s nuclear program, whereas Trump’s negotiator, Steve Witkoff, has said a “verification program” is needed to ensure that Iran is not pursuing nuclear weapons.
Andrea Stricker, the deputy director of the Nonproliferation and Biodefense Program at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, believes it’s possible to get Iran’s buy-in for the permanent and verifiable disarmament of its nuclear infrastructure if the alternative is military action, as Trump has repeatedly threatened.
