Trump Administration Diplomat: 'We Probably Should' Destroy Iran's Nuclear Program

Adam Boehler, the U.S. special envoy for hostages, stated on Sunday, March 10, that it is 'not difficult' for the United States to assist Israel in destroying the Islamic Republic's nuclear program. In an interview with Fox News, he added, 'We probably should do this.' Hours before Boehler's comments, senior Republican Senator Lindsey Graham called for a complete halt to enrichment activities by the Islamic Republic and the removal of high-purity enriched uranium from Iran. Senator Graham expressed serious concerns about Iran's nuclear activities, stating that the 'most destabilizing' event in the world would be the Islamic Republic's acquisition of nuclear weapons. He warned that the ruling clerics in Iran would use nuclear weapons against Israel and the West if they obtained them. The senior Republican senator noted that the Islamic Republic has enough uranium enriched to 60% to produce six nuclear bombs. He emphasized that 60% enrichment has no civilian justification and that enrichment at levels of 3 to 5% is for civilian purposes. Senator Graham further stated that a 'good deal' with the Islamic Republic must end its enrichment and remove all high-purity enriched uranium from the country. He insisted that such an agreement must be reached 'quickly' so that the Islamic Republic would not have the nuclear capability to build a bomb. Rafael Grossi, the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), announced to the IAEA Board of Governors on Monday, March 4, that the Islamic Republic has increased its stockpile of 60% enriched uranium to 275 kilograms. According to information provided by Grossi to the Board of Governors, 'the Islamic Republic has increased its stock of 60% enriched uranium from 182 kilograms to 275 kilograms over the past three months.' The IAEA Director General described Iran as the only non-nuclear country that has enriched uranium to this degree, calling it a 'serious concern.' In this context, Ali Khamenei, the leader of the Islamic Republic, referred to the possibility of negotiations with the U.S. during a meeting with several officials on Saturday, March 9, stating that their goal is to 'set new expectations,' which 'will certainly not be met by [the Islamic Republic].' In response to Khamenei's remarks on Saturday, a U.S. State Department spokesperson told VOA that President Trump has clearly stated that the United States is committed to preventing the Islamic Republic from acquiring nuclear weapons and has expressed readiness to negotiate a 'deal with Iran.' If the Iranian regime does not want an agreement, the President has made it clear that Iran will remain under the renewed maximum pressure campaign. Since returning to the White House, Trump has revived the 'maximum pressure' policy and called for a comprehensive agreement with the Islamic Republic. However, Ali Khamenei has declared any negotiations with the U.S. off-limits. Meanwhile, the economic situation in Iran is worsening daily due to the regime's extensive tensions with the world and the West. A few days ago, Trump announced that he had written to the leaders of the Islamic Republic and expressed hope for negotiations, which made headlines. The U.S. President also warned that the only options for dealing with the Islamic Republic are 'reaching an agreement' or 'military action.' On Friday, March 8, Trump also stated at the White House regarding Iran that something big will happen soon, that decisive moments regarding Iran have arrived, and that 'interesting days' lie ahead. He emphasized, 'I hope the result is peace, but the other way will also solve the problem.' In recent weeks, U.S. officials have repeatedly stated that if the Iranian regime does not agree to a new comprehensive deal, the 'maximum pressure' campaign, which was revived with the start of Trump's administration, will continue. Israel and the U.S. have repeatedly stated that they will not allow the Iranian regime to acquire nuclear weapons.