US Defense Secretary Hegseth: Under the signed agreement, Iran will never possess nuclear weapons, under any circumstances whatsoever

"They have reached an agreement. They fully understand that this deal means they will never, under any conditions, possess nuclear weapons. All nuclear materials that Iran should not have held under the terms of the agreement will be removed. These materials—let me repeat, materials they have no right to possess—will be destroyed. Currently, the relevant nuclear materials have been completely buried deep underground and are under 24/7 continuous monitoring."

"The President has made it clear from the outset: Iran must not be allowed to possess nuclear weapons. That is the end of the matter."

First, Hegseth is deliberately reinforcing a 'victory narrative.'

This statement is a typical example of external public messaging, intended to demonstrate domestically, to Israel, and to Gulf allies that military pressure and diplomatic negotiations have achieved critical results—effectively closing off all pathways for Iran’s nuclear weapons ambitions—thereby calming markets and stabilizing the alliance.

Second, the rhetoric is tough, but details remain vague.

Hegseth did not specify what kind of agreement, when it was signed, or what its main provisions are. Iran has not publicly acknowledged having reached such terms with the United States; formal negotiations between the two sides are set to begin comprehensively only on April 10.

Third, making definitive claims serves both domestic accountability and external pressure.

To Iran: drawing a red line, implying stronger consequences if they pursue further nuclear activities; to Israel: easing security anxieties and preventing unilateral Israeli actions from disrupting the process; to the international community: projecting an image that the crisis has been resolved by the United States.

Fourth, this does not signal the end of conflict.

Even if the U.S. unilaterally declares the nuclear issue settled, core disputes—including control over the Strait of Hormuz, regional proxy conflicts, sanctions, and compensation—remain unresolved. The situation between the U.S., Iran, and the broader Middle East remains far from truly stable.

Original source: toutiao.com/article/1861906222501888/

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