US President Donald Trump on Monday said his administration would take necessary action if Iran fails to comply with any future agreement reached through ongoing diplomatic negotiations, asserting that preventing Tehran from obtaining a nuclear weapon remains a higher priority than concerns about potential economic consequences.
Speaking during the signing ceremony of two executive orders related to quantum technology at the White House, Trump said the United States would closely monitor Iran’s adherence to any commitments emerging from the recent round of talks held in Switzerland.
“If Iran doesn’t live up to their agreement, or if they’re not behaving, I will do what I have to do,” Trump told reporters.
The President also suggested that relations could remain stable if Iran complies with agreed terms.
“As long as they respect us, we are not going to have any trouble,” he said.
Trump dismisses concerns over economic impact
Trump rejected suggestions that potential military action against Iran could trigger a global economic downturn or wider financial instability.
Responding to questions about the possibility of a worldwide depression resulting from tensions with Iran, he argued that such concerns were overstated.
“Well, not the way I’m doing it. It’s not going to cause depression,” he said.
The US President maintained that the threat posed by nuclear weapons is far more serious than any economic repercussions that could arise from efforts to prevent proliferation.
“If they don’t abide by — well, nuclear weapons supersede depression,” Trump said. “Depression is real bad… a nuclear weapon will cause depression much more quickly.”
His remarks underscored the administration’s position that preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons remains a central objective of US foreign policy.
Military option remains on the table
Trump reiterated that military measures remain a possibility if diplomatic efforts fail or if Iran violates the terms of a future agreement.
The comments came shortly after the conclusion of the first round of technical discussions between US and Iranian officials in Switzerland under a 14-point memorandum of understanding aimed at reducing tensions and addressing concerns surrounding Iran’s nuclear programme.
The latest talks are part of broader efforts to establish mechanisms for nuclear oversight and regional stability.
Trump backs Vance’s assessment of talks
Trump also reiterated claims made by Vice President JD Vance that Iran is prepared to accept extensive weapons inspections as part of a future agreement.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump suggested that Tehran would agree to rigorous inspection measures intended to verify compliance with nuclear commitments.
“Everybody is fully aware that Iran will agree to have Major Weapons Inspections in order to ensure ‘Nuclear Honesty’ long into the future,” Trump wrote.
The post came after Vance described the latest negotiations as constructive and expressed confidence about the prospects for a final agreement.
US says talks laid foundation for agreement
Speaking to reporters at the Burgenstock resort in Switzerland, Vance said the discussions had produced encouraging results and established a framework for further negotiations.
“We laid a very good foundation for a successful final deal,” Vance said.
He added that the talks had helped establish mechanisms related to regional security and oversight of Iran’s nuclear activities.
Vance also claimed that Iran had agreed to permit nuclear inspectors into the country, describing the development as a significant step towards ensuring that Tehran does not develop nuclear weapons.
Iran disputes inspection claims
Iran, however, has challenged aspects of the US interpretation of the discussions.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei said Tehran’s cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) would continue within the framework of existing safeguards agreements and in accordance with domestic legal provisions.
Speaking to the state-run IRNA news agency, Baqaei said: “Iran’s interactions with the Agency, in accordance with Iran’s obligations under the Safeguards Agreements, will continue according to existing procedures and comply with the laws enacted by the Islamic Consultative Assembly (Majlis) and the decisions of the Supreme National Security Council (SNSC).”
The differing accounts from Washington and Tehran highlight the challenges that remain as both sides seek to translate recent diplomatic progress into a formal agreement. While US officials have expressed optimism about the negotiations, Iran has signalled that any future commitments will remain subject to its existing legal and regulatory framework.
(With inputs from ANI)
Donald Trump warns Iran, says preventing nuclear weapon outweighs economic risks
