Nuclear move initiated by Donald Trump sets a new standard.

Overseeing its execution from now on.

, and ASMedia

2025 September 3 . 3:19 PM

2 min read

Nuclear action instigated by Donald Trump.

Nuclear move initiated by Donald Trump sets a new standard.

The United States' approach towards Iran's nuclear weapons program is largely focused on complete dismantlement of Iran's nuclear capabilities and preventing enrichment activities. This strategy, however, seems contradictory as the U.S. simultaneously pursues potential cooperation with Saudi Arabia in civilian nuclear technologies.

In 2025, the U.S. under President Donald Trump reinstated a maximum pressure campaign to push Iran into a new nuclear deal aiming to prevent Iran's development of nuclear weapons. High-level, indirect talks mediated in Oman, Rome, and Muscat occurred in April 2025, with Iran even proposing to build additional reactors domestically, potentially involving U.S. nuclear industry contracts. However, despite some constructive exchanges, no agreement was reached within a set 60-day deadline. After the deadline passed, Israel launched attacks on Iran, escalating into war. The U.S. and Israel have inflicted significant damage on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, delaying Iran’s nuclear program by 1–2 years; the U.S. seeks to keep it constrained through continued sanctions and diplomatic pressure.

Influenced by Trump's approach, U.S. demands are unequivocal: Iran must eliminate all enriched uranium, dismantle nuclear infrastructure such as heavy water reactors, halt ballistic missile development, and allow full inspections. This stance criticizes previous agreements like the 2015 JCPOA as too lenient and insists on "zero enrichment" as the baseline. Moreover, Iran’s missile attacks on Israel strengthen U.S. and allied resolve to impose new red lines, including dismantling missile capabilities potentially usable for nuclear delivery.

While the U.S. hardens its stance on Iran’s nuclear ambitions, it is involved in facilitating or potentially expanding nuclear cooperation with Saudi Arabia for civilian nuclear energy. This is seen by analysts as contradictory because Saudi Arabia is Iran’s regional adversary, and U.S. sharing or enabling nuclear technology with Riyadh could be viewed as destabilizing or incentivizing a regional arms race, especially given concerns over Saudi nuclear transparency and intentions.

Iran faces intense pressure from the E3 (UK, France, Germany) to make progress on diplomatic solutions by late August 2025, with threats to reimpose UN sanctions through snapback mechanisms if Iran does not comply. This increasing diplomatic isolation contrasts with ongoing U.S. military buildup in the region and its push for sanctions enforcement to further cripple Iran’s nuclear program.

The U.S.'s maximum pressure and demand for zero nuclear enrichment reflect a hardline policy aimed at Iran’s total nuclear disarmament. Simultaneously, the U.S. is engaged or expected to cooperate with Saudi Arabia on civilian nuclear technology, which complicates nonproliferation efforts and risks regional rivalry. The damage inflicted on Iran’s nuclear program and ongoing sanctions aim to limit Iran's nuclear capacity but have not yet led to a diplomatic breakthrough, with the potential for escalating conflict remaining high.

The U.S. has expanded cooperation with the UAE after the UAE abandoned uranium enrichment, providing an example for other Middle Eastern nations. Trump has called for the extension of "zero enrichment" to states without nuclear weapons, including Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Egypt. This dual approach underscores the U.S.'s challenge in balancing nonproliferation goals, regional security dynamics, and its strategic alliances in the Middle East. The fragility and high stakes of this balancing act are evident in recent events in 2025 around negotiations, sanctions, and military action.