President Trump reserved some of his harshest language during his State of the Union Address for Iran’s network of regional proxies, accusing Tehran of using these groups to spread terrorism, destabilise governments, and kill Americans. The characterisation underscored why Trump views Iran not just as a nuclear threat, but as a comprehensive threat to global order.
Trump accused Iran of being the world’s number one state sponsor of terrorism by a wide margin, saying that Iranian-backed groups are responsible for the deaths and injuries of thousands of American service members over the years. He painted a picture of a regime that exports violence while brutalising its own population.
Beyond the proxy networks, Trump raised alarm about Iran’s own military capabilities. He said Iranian missiles already pose a threat to Europe and American overseas installations, and warned that Tehran is advancing toward systems that could reach the United States directly — a prospect he described as both alarming and unacceptable.
The president acknowledged that diplomatic efforts are underway, with two rounds of nuclear talks completed this month. But he made clear that the terrorism issue cannot be separated from the nuclear issue — the United States is dealing with a regime it considers dangerous at every level.
Despite his condemnation of the Iranian regime, Trump said his preference remains a negotiated solution. However, that solution must include an explicit Iranian commitment to permanently abandon nuclear weapons — and until that commitment is made, the United States will continue to regard Iran as a serious and urgent threat.
