Iran has rejected President Donald Trump's threat of "crushing" economic warfare, asserting its stance as U.S.-Iran negotiations remain stalled. The warning from Trump comes as the nearly six-month conflict between the two nations enters a new phase, with talks over key issues including the Strait of Hormuz and Iran's nuclear program faltering.
Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty
Iran is a signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), an international agreement designed to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons. The country signed the treaty in 1968 and ratified it in 1970, committing to not develop or acquire nuclear weapons as a non-nuclear-weapon state.
Trump has repeatedly stated that preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon is a primary justification for potential U.S. military action. "They have to get rid of it completely. They have to get rid of nuclear weapons. Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon," Trump said recently.
Stalled Negotiations
Disagreements over a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), signed by both countries on June 17, appear to have halted progress in U.S.-Iran negotiations. This document had outlined commitments to ensure the full and toll-free reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway through which approximately one-fifth of the world's global petroleum liquids consumption passed before the ongoing conflict. The MOU also established a 60-day cease-fire intended to facilitate technical discussions, including those concerning Iran's nuclear capabilities.