Trump warned Iran is advancing missile and nuclear ambitions despite negotiations, demanding a clear pledge against nuclear weapons in a record-length State of the Union.

Summary:

• Trump accuses Iran of advancing missile capabilities

• Claims Tehran pursuing longer-range systems

• Says negotiations ongoing but incomplete

• Says he prefers diplomacy towards a solution

• Seeks explicit renunciation of nuclear weapons

• US forces positioned in region

• Speech sets new length record

President Donald Trump used his State of the Union address to accuse Iran of continuing to pursue missile and nuclear capabilities, despite prior US efforts aimed at curbing its weapons programs.

Speaking before a joint session of Congress, Trump said Tehran had already developed missiles capable of threatening Europe and US military installations overseas, and was now working on systems that could potentially reach the American mainland. He argued that previous warnings had failed to deter Iran from reviving elements of its weapons development agenda.

The president said the United States remains engaged in negotiations with Tehran, which is his preference, but indicated dissatisfaction with the current state of talks. He suggested that while diplomacy is ongoing, he has not yet received what he described as a clear and definitive assurance that Iran would permanently forgo nuclear weapons development, a commitment he characterised as his preferred outcome.

Trump’s remarks come at a time of heightened tension in the Middle East, with US forces positioned in the region and diplomatic channels active but fragile. The administration has repeatedly signalled that while it prefers a negotiated solution, it retains other options should talks fail to produce results.