Trump threatens Iran: ‘Nuclear centrifuges to be disabled, even by force’

The US president returns to Tehran and warns: if there is no agreement, we are ready to strike. Meanwhile, he continues to feel he is the absolute master of the world, so much so that he can change the name of anything he doesn’t like…. Now he considers a name change for the Persian Gulf during a visit to the Middle East

During a radio interview with conservative host Hugh Hewitt, US President Donald Trump forcefully reiterated his stance towards Iran’s nuclear programme. ‘I would prefer a solid, verifiable agreement, but if that’s not possible, then Iran’s nuclear centrifuges will be detonated,’ he said. ‘They can be deactivated by good or by force,’ he added, reiterating his willingness to stop any atomic ambitions of Tehran, either through diplomacy or a military strike.

However, when shortly before, reporters had pressed him on the possibility of accepting a limited Iranian nuclear programme, Trump had responded cautiously: ‘We haven’t made a decision yet. We will make it.’

Meanwhile, the president is expected in the Middle East next week for an official trip that will visit Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. On that very occasion, Trump could announce a highly symbolic gesture: the possible renaming of the Persian Gulf, which according to some White House officials could become ‘Gulf of Arabia’ or ‘Arabian Gulf’.

A change that is already igniting diplomatic tensions. When asked about the issue during an event in the Oval Office, Trump admitted: ‘I’ll have to make a decision when I get there. I don’t want to hurt anybody’s feelings.’ He added that he will receive a specific briefing ahead of the trip and will decide only after weighing all the implications.

The reactions were not long in coming. Iran has always considered the name ‘Persian Gulf’ a non-negotiable identity and historical issue. On Wednesday, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi issued a warning through a message on social X (formerly Twitter): ‘A name change would unleash the wrath of all Iranians, regardless of social class or political orientation, inside and outside the country.’

‘@realdonaldtrump should know that the name PERSIAN GULF has centuries of history, is recognised by all cartographers and international bodies, and was officially used by all regional leaders until the 1960s,’ Araghchi wrote, denouncing what he called “a politically motivated attempt to rewrite history”.

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(Photo: © AndKronos)