Trump claims Iran agreed to nuclear ban as US deploys 3,000 more troops

By Muhammad Asghar | GlobalBeat

WASHINGTON — President-elect Donald Trump said Iran agreed to permanently abandon nuclear weapons as the Pentagon prepared to send 3,000 additional troops to the Middle East.

Trump offered no evidence for the claim, which came hours after The Wall Street Journal reported the deployment would increase US forces in the region to 50,000.

Iran has not confirmed any nuclear agreement with Trump’s team. Tehran resumed uranium enrichment to 60% purity after the 2018 US withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear deal.

The deployment follows weeks of Israeli strikes on Iranian targets and rising tensions over Tehran’s nuclear program. US officials told reporters the extra forces would provide “deterrence and defense” capabilities.

Trump spoke to reporters at his Florida resort on Tuesday. “They have agreed never to have a nuclear weapon,” he said of Iran. The president-elect did not specify when or how such an agreement was reached.

His transition team declined to provide documentation of any Iranian commitment. Iranian state media made no mention of nuclear talks with Trump representatives.

The Pentagon confirmed plans to send 3,000 troops but denied Iran influenced the decision. “This deployment was planned prior to today’s statements,” spokeswoman Sabrina Singh told reporters.

US Central Command said the forces would include fighter squadrons and missile defense units. Officials said the deployment brings American military strength in the region to its highest level since 2021.

Tehran maintains its nuclear program is peaceful. The International Atomic Energy Agency reported Iran holds 182 kg of uranium enriched to 60%, enough for one nuclear weapon if refined further.

Israeli officials warned of possible military action against Iranian facilities. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said Israel “retains full freedom to act against threats.”

European diplomats expressed skepticism about Trump’s claim. “We have seen no indication of Iranian willingness to negotiate new nuclear limits,” an EU official told Reuters.

Oil prices rose 3% on news of the troop deployment. Brent crude reached $74 per barrel as traders weighed conflict risks in the Persian Gulf.

The US maintains bases in Qatar, Bahrain and Kuwait. The new deployment includes additional warships and aircraft, according to defense officials.

Background

Trump withdrew the United States from the Iran nuclear deal in 2018, calling it “the worst deal ever negotiated.” The agreement had limited Iran’s uranium enrichment in exchange for sanctions relief.

After the US exit, Iran gradually violated the deal’s limits. Tehran exceeded uranium stockpile caps, enriched to higher levels, and restricted international inspections.

President Joe Biden’s administration tried to revive the agreement through indirect talks. Negotiations stalled in 2022 over Iranian demands for guarantees and US concerns about Tehran’s regional activities.

Israel opposes any Iranian nuclear capability. The country has conducted covert operations against Iranian facilities and scientists, according to foreign intelligence sources.

What’s Next

Trump takes office on January 20. His team has promised a “maximum pressure” campaign against Tehran using sanctions and diplomatic isolation.

Iran retires hardline President Ebrahim Raisi’s term in 2025. Analysts say Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei maintains final authority over nuclear policy regardless of electoral changes.

International inspectors plan quarterly reports on Iran’s nuclear activities. A new assessment arrives in February, offering independent verification of Tehran’s compliance claims.