WASHINGTON, REUTERS: US President Donald Trump used his State of the Union address to outline his case for potential military action against Iran, saying he would never allow Tehran to obtain a nuclear weapon.
In his record-long speech to Congress, Trump accused Iran of supporting militant groups, killing protesters, and advancing its missile and nuclear programmes. He claimed Iran had restarted its nuclear activities and was developing missiles that could eventually reach the United States.“The regime and its murderous proxies have spread nothing but terrorism and death and hate,” Trump said, adding that the US had not heard Iran commit to the phrase: “We will never have a nuclear weapon.”Iran maintains its nuclear programme is for civilian energy purposes.
Trump’s remarks come amid a buildup of US military forces in the Middle East and rising tensions over Tehran’s nuclear ambitions. He said he preferred diplomacy but would confront threats if necessary. “My preference is to solve this problem through diplomacy,” he said. “But I will never allow the world’s No 1 sponsor of terror to have a nuclear weapon.”
Opinion polls show Americans remain wary of foreign conflicts. A recent Reuters/Ipsos survey found 69% believe the US military should only be used when facing a direct and imminent threat. The president also defended previous US strikes on Iran, saying Tehran was again pursuing nuclear weapons capability.
Focus on economy
Trump devoted much of his speech to the economy, highlighting tax cuts, stock market gains and efforts to curb inflation. “Our nation is back — bigger, better, richer and stronger than ever before,” he said.
However, recent data showed the economy slowed in the last quarter while inflation accelerated. A Reuters/Ipsos poll found 36% of Americans approve of his handling of the economy.With midterm elections approaching, Trump faces political pressure as Democrats seek to regain control of Congress.
Clashes over immigration
Turning to immigration, Trump defended his crackdown and criticised Democrats for opposing funding for border enforcement. Several Democratic lawmakers protested during the speech, and one was removed from the chamber.
Trump also reiterated his support for stricter voter identification laws, accusing Democrats of opposing election safeguards — a claim they reject.The president concluded by reiterating his preference for peace but maintained a hard line on Iran, offering no new details on whether military action is imminent.
