President Donald Trump used his State of the Union address to defend his foreign policy record, declaring that the United States had 'wiped out' Iran's nuclear program but warning that Tehran is attempting to rebuild it. He vowed never to allow Iran to obtain a nuclear weapon and said he would not hesitate to use military force if necessary, even as he expressed a preference for a diplomatic agreement.

Trump highlighted last year's strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities and the killing of Iranian commander Qassem Soleimani as evidence of his tough approach. He accused Iran's leadership of spreading violence across the Middle East and pursuing missiles that could one day reach the United States, despite intelligence assessments that such a capability remains years away.

The president also pointed to what he described as major foreign policy successes, including brokering a fragile ceasefire in Gaza, securing the return of hostages held by Hamas, and pressing North Atlantic Treaty Organization allies to increase defense spending. As new talks with Iranian officials are scheduled and American military forces build up in the region, Trump said the United States remains prepared for either negotiations or confrontation.