WASHINGTON, Feb 25 (KUNA) -- US President Donald Trump said he prefers a diplomatic solution to reach an agreement with Tehran on its nuclear program, but stressed the United States will never allow Iran to obtain a nuclear weapon.
In his annual State of the Union address before Congress Tuesday evening, Trump said US policy for decades has rejected a nuclear-armed Iran, noting the US military destroyed Iran's nuclear program last June in an operation dubbed "Midnight Hammer." He said Washington had warned Tehran against rebuilding its weapons program, particularly nuclear capabilities, but accused Iran of continuing what he described as "sinister ambitions".
Trump added that Iran has developed missiles capable of threatening Europe and US bases abroad, and is working on missiles that could soon reach the United States, affirming Washington would confront such threats if necessary.
Trump said last Thursday he believed an agreement with Iran could be reached within days, noting negotiations should not take long.
A second round of indirect talks between Washington and Tehran was held earlier this week in Geneva, following a first meeting in Muscat. Geneva is scheduled to host a third round tomorrow. (end) amm.aai