Archive · 23 Aug 2026
Iran Security Chief Says Trump Created Nuclear Insecurity, Not Security
Iran’s security chief said US actions have made nuclear security worse.
He said Iran follows international nuclear rules and remains part of the Non-Proliferation Treaty.
He also said Iran allows international inspections.
He argued that attacks could make more countries want nuclear weapons.
Donald Trump announced a strong economic campaign against Iran.
The campaign would target oil networks, money transfers, ships, and front companies.
Iranian officials said sanctions would not change Iran’s position.
Trump said the pressure is meant to stop Iran from getting a nuclear weapon.
Mohsen Rezaei accused Donald Trump of increasing nuclear insecurity through US actions against Iran.
Rezaei said Iran follows international safeguards, remains in the Non-Proliferation Treaty, and permits inspections.
He argued that attacks on Iran could encourage other countries to seek nuclear weapons.
Trump announced an “Economic D-Day” campaign targeting Iran’s oil, financial, shipping, and front-company networks.
Iranian officials rejected the pressure campaign, while Trump said sanctions aim to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons.
- Who
- Mohsen Rezaei, Donald Trump, Mohammad Reza Aref, and Seyed Abbas Araghchi made the principal statements.
- What
- Iranian officials condemned US military and economic pressure, while Trump defended sanctions as a way to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons.
- When
- Rezaei made his remarks on Saturday, local time, amid escalating tensions.
- Where
- Rezaei spoke in an interview with IRIB in Tehran; the other statements were issued publicly, including on X.
- Why
- The statements followed Trump’s announcement of an “Economic D-Day” campaign against Iran and his warnings about Iran’s nuclear program.
Iranian Officials’ Position
US Administration’s Position
Effect on nuclear security
Iranian Officials’ Position
Mohsen Rezaei said US actions created “nuclear insecurity” and could increase global interest in acquiring nuclear weapons.
US Administration’s Position
Donald Trump said US pressure is intended to prevent Iran from developing or obtaining a nuclear weapon.
Iran’s nuclear compliance
Iranian Officials’ Position
Rezaei said Iran has complied with international safeguards, remains in the Non-Proliferation Treaty, and allows inspections.
US Administration’s Position
Trump continued to cite concerns about Iran’s nuclear program and said Washington would assess future developments.
Effectiveness of sanctions
Iranian Officials’ Position
Mohammad Reza Aref and Seyed Abbas Araghchi said economic pressure would not alter Iran’s position and that the campaign would fail.
US Administration’s Position
Trump announced expanded sanctions and isolation measures, describing them as a major economic operation against Iran.
- Iranian security official
- Mohsen Rezaei, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council
- Iran’s stated nuclear commitments
- Rezaei said Iran remains in the Non-Proliferation Treaty, follows international safeguards, and permits inspections.
- US economic campaign
- Trump described an “Economic D-Day” campaign targeting Iran’s economic lifelines.
- Targeted activities
- The measures were described as targeting oil smuggling, financial transfers, exchange houses, ship registries, and front companies.
- Trump’s stated objective
- Trump said Iran will never have a nuclear weapon and that US measures aim to prevent one.
- Iranian response
- Aref and Araghchi said economic pressure would not change Iran’s resolve and that the campaign would fail.