Ahmad Vahidi, the chief of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard, made a pointed statement on Wednesday. A translated version of his remarks, which are widely circulating, indicated that Tehran will keep developing nuclear weapons as long as the United States and Israel maintain their own arsenals. He stated, 'If they disarm, we will disarm,' reinforcing a strategic alignment with global nuclear powers.
This announcement adds to the mounting unease over stalled nuclear negotiations. Observers have suggested that Iran may be using the ongoing Hormuz-related crisis to shift attention away from its nuclear program. By prioritizing control of the Strait, Iran could delay or dilute meaningful concessions on its atomic ambitions.
Israeli Response to Vahidi's Remarks
In response to Vahidi's comments, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke out forcefully during a ceremony in Jerusalem. He emphasized that Israel will remain steadfast in its effort to stop Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, no matter the diplomatic context. 'We are determined to prevent Iran from possessing nuclear weapons,' he declared.
Netanyahu expressed deep appreciation for President Donald Trump, calling him Israel’s most supportive figure in the White House. He highlighted the critical role their cooperation has played in confronting Iran’s nuclear goals, which he described as vital to Israel’s continued existence.
Meanwhile, President Trump addressed the issue during a segment on Fox News. He reiterated that the threat of military action remains on the table if Iran retracts from negotiations. 'They know that. They understand that,' Trump stated. He described the prior day's talks as 'very good' and suggested that progress was being made, though he didn’t elaborate further.
U.S. and Expert Reactions to Iran's Strategy
Andrea Stricker, a key voice in nonproliferation policy, warned that Iran might be maneuvering the talks in its favor. She pointed out that if the discussions center on the Hormuz Strait instead of nuclear limitations, the U.S. could find itself with weakened tools to pressure Iran on its atomic program.
Earlier in April, Axios reported that Iran had proposed restoring access through the Strait of Hormuz and ending the regional conflict before even brokering nuclear discussions. The Washington Post later echoed this, stating that Tehran was more focused on asserting control over Hormuz than agreeing to significant nuclear constraints. These actions suggest a calculated strategy to limit future U.S. influence over Iran's nuclear development.
Kelsey Davenport, a leading analyst with the Arms Control Association, offered a similar assessment. She said it's no surprise that the Hormuz issue remains in the spotlight, noting that Iran is probing whether Trump is prepared to negotiate in good faith. 'They are testing the waters,' she remarked. Her analysis suggests Iran is trying to gauge U.S. resolve and potentially exploit any hesitation.
The current stalemate leaves the future of nuclear negotiations in question. With Iran emphasizing its regional leverage and the U.S. maintaining military readiness, the path forward remains unclear. What’s certain is that both sides remain determined to protect their respective positions.
Israel’s Stance on Nuclear Threats and Existence
Netanyahu reiterated in his speech that Israel’s existence is not negotiable, a point he has consistently emphasized in his dealings with U.S. leaders. He noted that, regardless of whether a deal is reached, Israel will act decisively to ensure its security and future. 'With an agreement or without an agreement, I am determined — we are all determined — to do whatever is necessary to ensure our security and our future,' he said.
The U.S. has maintained pressure on Iran through economic sanctions, particularly on its oil exports, and Trump’s administration has repeatedly affirmed its readiness to consider military action if diplomacy fails. Trump’s statement on Fox News, in which he said, 'They can’t have a nuclear weapon. It’s very simple,' reinforced this hardline stance.
Axios reported in April that Iran’s proposal to address the Hormuz Strait and regional conflict first would effectively shift the negotiating focus away from nuclear limitations. This strategy could make it difficult for the U.S. to secure significant concessions on Iran’s uranium enrichment and stockpiles. The Washington Post similarly noted that the Iranian government is leveraging its control of the Strait rather than engaging in meaningful nuclear negotiations.
Trump’s approach to the negotiations, which he described as 'very good' after an 'all-day negotiation,' suggests that he remains optimistic about reaching an agreement. However, the concerns raised by experts like Stricker and Davenport highlight the risks of allowing Iran to dictate the sequence of negotiations. Such an approach could diminish U.S. leverage in future discussions about Iran’s nuclear program, particularly as it relates to its enrichment capabilities.
As the situation unfolds, both the U.S. and Israel remain under pressure to maintain their resolve. With Iran’s Revolutionary Guard at the forefront of its nuclear ambitions and Trump’s administration balancing diplomacy and military threats, the coming weeks will likely test the strategic patience of all involved.
U.S. President Donald Trump stated that he prefers reaching an agreement with the Islamic Republic to continuing military strikes, while emphasizing that the United States remains fully prepared for military action should negotiations fail. Speaking on Wednesday evening, August 5, 2026, following an address in Las Vegas, Nevada, Trump remarked that he would prefer a deal because he does not want people to die. However, he expressed skepticism regarding the likelihood of success, adding that it remains uncertain whether the current talks will yield a different outcome.
When asked about his recent threats against the Islamic Republic, the U.S. President asserted that his warnings were far more than a bluff and that U.S. forces were positioned to carry out a large-scale strike. Trump stated that American forces were ready to act and remained prepared to do so if necessary. He claimed that the Islamic Republic requested the resumption of negotiations only when the United States was on the verge of launching a major military attack, arguing that sustained military pressure ultimately brought Tehran back to the bargaining table.
The President reiterated that his administration’s position on the nuclear programme remains unchanged, maintaining that Iran must never obtain nuclear weapons. In other remarks, Trump noted a decrease in oil and gasoline prices, stating that crude oil had fallen to around $75 per barrel, though he warned that continued conflict could trigger another spike in energy prices. These comments came amid ongoing efforts by the U.S. administration to reach an agreement to end the war and reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
U.S. Vice President JD Vance also spoke to Fox News on Wednesday, stating that negotiations with the Islamic Republic would likely involve back-and-forth developments and require time. Vance cited internal fragmentation within the Iranian government as a major obstacle to the talks, explaining that while one faction of officials seeks an end to the war, hardline groups insist on continuing it. The Vice President emphasized that the Trump administration would leverage military, economic, and diplomatic tools to achieve its objectives.
