Trump Says Iran Resumed Its Pursuit of ‘Sinister’ Nuclear Aims

People walk near Azadi Tower in Tehran.
Photographer: Atta Kenare/AFP/Getty Images

Provide news feedback or report an error

Confidential tip?

Send a tip to our reporters

Site feedback:

Take our Survey

By Courtney McBride, Natalia Drozdiak, Jamie Tarabay, and Eric Martin

February 24, 2026 at 9:46 PM UTC

Updated on

February 25, 2026 at 4:48 AM UTC

President Donald Trump claimed that Iran is working to reconstitute its nuclear program even as it negotiates with Washington, adding to speculation that he’s preparing for a fresh round of military strikes in the coming days.

Iranian officials are “again pursuing their sinister ambitions” after US airstrikes devastated the country’s nuclear program last year, Trump said in his State of the Union address on Tuesday.