May 15, 2025
Former U.S. President Donald Trump has said he is open to signing a new nuclear deal with Iran, but only if Iran agrees to stop supporting proxy wars in the Middle East. In a recent interview, Trump stated that while he is willing to talk with Iran again, any future agreement must also include a commitment from Iran to stop funding or helping armed groups in countries like Syria, Iraq, Lebanon, and Yemen.
This statement has brought new focus to U.S.-Iran relations at a time when the region is already facing serious instability. Trump’s condition makes it clear that he wants more than just a nuclear freeze — he wants Iran to change its regional behavior before any deal can happen.
The Iran nuclear deal, also known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), was first signed in 2015. It was an agreement between Iran and six world powers — the United States, United Kingdom, France, Russia, China, and Germany. Under the deal, Iran agreed to reduce its nuclear activities and allow international inspections. In return, several economic sanctions on Iran were lifted, helping its struggling economy.
However, in 2018, when Trump was President, he withdrew the United States from the deal. He called it a “bad agreement” that did not address Iran’s missile program or its involvement in regional conflicts. After the U.S. left the deal, relations between the two countries worsened. Iran restarted nuclear activities, and tensions increased across the Middle East.
Now in 2025, as Trump considers another run for presidency, he is showing some openness to new talks — but on his own terms. Speaking on a news program, Trump said, “If Iran wants a deal, they must stop their proxy wars and terror funding. A new agreement must protect American interests and bring peace to the region.” This suggests Trump is not interested in simply rejoining the old deal. He wants a tougher and broader agreement that also limits Iran’s influence in other countries.
Proxy wars are conflicts where major powers support other groups instead of fighting directly. In this case, Iran has been accused of supporting groups like Hezbollah in Lebanon, the Houthis in Yemen, Shiite militias in Iraq, and even Hamas in Gaza. Many experts and governments believe Iran uses these groups to increase its influence in the region. These groups are often involved in violence and are blamed for destabilizing the Middle East.
The United States and its allies, especially Israel and Saudi Arabia, have long opposed Iran’s support for such groups. Trump’s latest statement shows he believes a nuclear deal should not only focus on weapons but also on Iran’s role in regional conflicts. He wants Iran to stop giving money, weapons, or training to these groups before any deal is made.
Iran has not officially responded to Trump’s latest comments, but in the past, Iranian leaders have rejected similar demands. They claim their support for groups like Hezbollah is part of their policy of “resistance” against Israel and Western pressure. Iranian officials often say that their foreign policy is not open to negotiation. They also insist that the United States must lift sanctions first before Iran makes any changes.
Inside the United States, Trump’s statement has sparked a new debate. His Republican supporters believe his tough stand will force Iran to make a better deal. But many Democrats and foreign policy experts argue that leaving the original deal made the situation worse. They say that the JCPOA was working and kept Iran’s nuclear program under control. Critics also argue that Trump’s new demands will make it harder to reach any agreement in the future.
In the Middle East, reactions are mixed. Israel supports Trump’s position and believes Iran is the biggest threat to its national security. Countries like Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates also support any move that weakens Iran’s support for militias. But in Iraq and Lebanon, where Iran-backed militias are active, there are concerns that more pressure could lead to more violence and instability.
Experts warn that if the U.S. and Iran do not restart talks soon, the risk of conflict may increase. Iran is enriching uranium at higher levels than before. This brings it closer to having the ability to make nuclear weapons, which is a major concern for Israel and the West. Also, there have been several attacks on U.S. troops in Iraq and Syria by groups believed to be linked to Iran. These attacks could increase if tensions rise again.
A new nuclear deal could help reduce tensions, lower oil prices, and improve global security. But reaching such a deal is now more difficult. Both sides must agree on more than just nuclear issues. They need to discuss Iran’s regional activities, economic cooperation, and long-term peace goals.
Globally, the European Union and the United Nations have supported the original nuclear deal. They believe that it was working until the U.S. withdrew. They are urging both the U.S. and Iran to return to the negotiating table. China and Russia, which were also part of the deal, support the idea of fresh talks but have asked the U.S. to first lift sanctions on Iran.
The approach taken by Trump is different from that of President Joe Biden. While Biden tried to restore the JCPOA using diplomacy, his efforts have not succeeded. Biden has been careful and slow, while Trump’s style is more aggressive and focused on making tough deals. If Trump returns to power, the U.S. policy toward Iran may once again shift sharply.
A new deal, if it happens, may include multiple conditions. These could involve strict nuclear inspections, a ban on Iran’s missile program, and a promise to end support for militant groups in the region. In exchange, Iran may receive economic benefits such as lifted sanctions and access to global trade. However, such a deal would need approval from the U.S. Congress, as well as support from American allies and possibly the United Nations.
Ordinary people in both countries also have strong views. Many young Iranians are hoping for a deal that will end sanctions and improve the economy. High prices and unemployment have made life difficult for many families. In the U.S., public opinion is divided. Some believe Iran is dangerous and should be punished, while others want peace through negotiations. Around the world, people hope that the U.S. and Iran can avoid war and build trust through diplomacy.
Donald Trump’s latest comments show that he is willing to consider a new nuclear deal with Iran. But he has made it clear that Iran must first end its proxy wars and stop supporting armed groups in the Middle East. This makes the road to peace longer and more complicated. However, if both sides are willing to compromise, there is still a chance to create a stronger, more effective agreement in the future. For now, the world watches closely as tensions, hopes, and diplomatic talks continue.
