US Energy Secretary: We will prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons by any means necessary
US Energy Secretary Chris Wright reaffirmed his country's firm stance against Iran's nuclear ambitions, emphasizing that the United States will not allow Tehran to acquire a nuclear weapon under any circumstances. Wright's remarks came on Wednesday in Paris, on the sidelines of the International Atomic Energy Agency meetings, where he stated unequivocally that Washington would prevent Iran from achieving this goal "one way or another," a remark interpreted as keeping all options open, whether diplomatic or otherwise.
Geneva negotiations and red lines
These fiery statements come at a sensitive time, marked by intense diplomatic activity, as US and Iranian officials held a second round of talks in Geneva on Tuesday. These negotiations, mediated by Oman, aim to de-escalate tensions and avert scenarios of direct military confrontation. While Iran has spoken of reaching understandings on "guiding principles" that could pave the way for a broader agreement, the US side remains extremely cautious.
In this context, US Vice President Jay D. Vance indicated that Tehran is still not ready to fully comply with and acknowledge some of the "red lines" set by President Donald Trump, reflecting the continuing gap between the two sides despite ongoing communication channels.
Historical context and international concerns
To understand the depth of the current crisis, one must look at the historical background of the Iranian nuclear issue. Since the United States withdrew from the nuclear agreement (the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action) in 2018, Iran has accelerated its nuclear program, increasing uranium enrichment levels to near weapons-grade levels, which has alarmed the international community and the International Atomic Energy Agency.
Washington and its European allies, along with Israel, accuse the Iranian regime of secretly seeking to develop nuclear weapons capabilities, an accusation Tehran consistently denies, insisting its program is peaceful. However, Secretary Wright's statement that the Iranians are "very clear about what they would do with nuclear weapons," and his description of this as "absolutely unacceptable," reflects a firm conviction within the US administration that the threat is imminent and requires decisive action.
Repercussions of the American position
The phrase "one way or another" carries broad strategic implications; it underscores Washington's commitment to preventing nuclear proliferation in the already volatile Middle East. Observers believe that the failure of the current diplomatic process in Geneva could pave the way for unprecedentedly stringent economic sanctions, or even for considering other deterrent options in coordination with regional allies, to ensure that the strategic balance in the region remains unchanged.
