Analysts Warn White House to Keep Iran's Atomic Ambitions at Forefront of Talks

As discussions over the Strait of Hormuz continue

As discussions over the Strait of Hormuz continue, nuclear policy experts are cautioning the Trump administration against allowing Tehran to sideline the core issue of its weapons program. The warning comes amid heightened tensions and a renewed focus on Iranian nuclear capabilities.

On Wednesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded to reports of comments attributed to Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps chief Ahmad Vahidi, reaffirming Israel's commitment to preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons—with or without a diplomatic accord. The remarks, initially circulated online and amplified by Israeli media, were later clarified as stemming from a 2025 interview conducted when Vahidi served as interior minister, not a fresh statement.

Netanyahu, speaking at a ceremony for the reinterment of Theodor Herzl's grandparents, declared, "Israel’s existence is not subject to negotiation. 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 also praised President Trump as Israel's greatest ally in the White House and acknowledged joint efforts against Iran's nuclear ambitions.

Experts argue that Iran is strategically steering negoti…

Experts argue that Iran is strategically steering negotiations toward maritime security and sanctions relief, potentially delaying substantive nuclear talks. Andrea Stricker, deputy director of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies' Nonproliferation and Biodefense Program, noted that Tehran aims to secure major concessions on Hormuz and oil sanctions before addressing its nuclear file. "If Tehran is able to structure the talks that way, there may be little left in terms of leverage to get big concessions on the nuclear program down the line," she said.

Kelsey Davenport, director for nonproliferation policy at the Arms Control Association, echoed these concerns, emphasizing that Iran seeks to capitalize on leverage gained by disrupting maritime traffic. She warned that even after the conflict, Iran retains the technical expertise and materials needed to build a bomb, making comprehensive nuclear restrictions essential. Davenport recommended restoring IAEA inspections and pairing sanctions relief with verifiable steps rather than broad concessions.

Both analysts urged the administration to link any concessions on Hormuz or sanctions to measurable Iranian actions on nuclear issues, ensuring the regime cannot defer or dismantle oversight. As negotiations proceed, the challenge remains balancing immediate security concerns with the long-term imperative of preventing a nuclear-armed Iran.