Trump Says US ‘Locked and Loaded’ on Iran, But Backs Diplomatic Solution

Washington, July 25, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)

US President Donald Trump said on Friday that the United States remained “locked and loaded” for possible military action against Iran, while emphasising that his administration continues to pursue diplomacy to prevent Tehran from acquiring a nuclear weapon.

Speaking at a White House event on civilian nuclear energy, Trump said negotiations with Iran were underway but warned that military options remained available if talks failed.

“We’re locked and loaded and ready to go, but we’re talking to them,” Trump said, adding that his administration preferred a negotiated settlement over military escalation.

The President said there were two possible paths: a diplomatic agreement or continued military pressure. “I always prefer that alternative,” he said, referring to diplomacy, while insisting that Iran “cannot have a nuclear weapon.”

Trump claimed Iran was showing greater seriousness in negotiations than ever before but cautioned that a deal was not guaranteed. He added that Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and other senior officials were engaged in discussions with Iranian representatives.

The US President also asserted that Iran’s military capabilities had been significantly weakened following earlier American strikes and claimed the pressure campaign had altered the strategic balance in the region.

Responding to questions about Russia and China, Trump said Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin had so far refrained from significant involvement in support of Iran.

The Trump administration has maintained that preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon remains a key US national security objective. Iran, however, continues to insist that its nuclear programme is intended solely for peaceful purposes.