National Security Adviser Mike Waltz confirms Trump’s policy demands complete elimination of Iran’s nuclear capabilities during appearance on “Face the Nation.”
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
White House National Security Adviser Mike Waltz said Sunday that President Donald Trump is pursuing the complete dismantlement of Iran’s nuclear program, making clear that partial measures or verification agreements similar to those used in past administrations are not under consideration.
Appearing on CBS’s Face the Nation, Waltz addressed questions from host Margaret Brennan about recent U.S. military action against Iran-backed Houthi forces in the Middle East, and the administration’s broader strategy regarding Iran’s nuclear ambitions. Waltz outlined the administration’s firm position, emphasizing that the Trump White House is not seeking a negotiated settlement resembling the 2015 Iran nuclear deal under former President Obama.
Waltz detailed the recent military strikes ordered by President Trump, noting that U.S. forces had targeted Houthi leadership, weapons factories, communications nodes, and drone facilities. He contrasted the Trump administration’s approach with that of previous administrations, criticizing what he called ineffective “pinprick attacks” and asserting, “President Trump has decided to do something much harder, much tougher… and I think will be much more effective.”
The national security adviser also outlined the threat to global commerce posed by Houthi attacks in the Red Sea region. “Seventy-five percent of our U.S. flag shipping now has to go around the southern coast of Africa rather than going through the Suez Canal,” he said, adding that ensuring open sea lanes is a “fundamental aspect of our national security.”
Brennan pressed Waltz on reports that Iran had responded through “multiple channels” to a letter sent by President Trump, proposing a verification program. Waltz rejected any suggestion of a return to verification-based diplomacy, insisting, “All options are on the table, and it is time for Iran to walk away completely from its desire to have a nuclear weapon.”
He added, “They will not, and cannot be allowed to have a nuclear weapons program. That’s enrichment, that’s weaponization, and that’s its strategic missile program.”
Waltz warned of the regional consequences of a nuclear-armed Iran, citing its ongoing support for Hezbollah, Hamas, the Assad regime, and the Houthis. “If they had nuclear weapons, the entire Middle East would explode in an arms race. That is completely unacceptable to our national security,” he said.
While Waltz declined to elaborate on any back-channel communications with Iran, he said, “Iran is in the worst place it has been, from its own national security, since 1979,” crediting recent setbacks in the region, including the destruction of air defense systems by Israeli forces.
Waltz affirmed that diplomatic channels remain open but reiterated the administration’s uncompromising position. “The President has all options on the table… Give it up, or there will be consequences.”
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