Trump: It’s “common sense” for Iran to have nuclear programme

U.S. President Donald Trump indicated a softer stance on Iran’s nuclear activities, suggesting Tehran should be allowed to maintain a civilian nuclear programme, marking a notable departure from the administration’s earlier insistence on eliminating the country's enrichment capabilities.

Speaking at the G7 summit in France alongside Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, Trump argued that Iran’s pursuit of nuclear energy for civilian purposes was reasonable, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

“It is a little hard that when you say that somebody wants it, other people have it, other adjoining states have it, and you’re not letting them have it for purposes of electricity and things like that. It’s always a little tough. You have to use a little common sense,” Trump said.

The remarks contrast with months of rhetoric from the White House during the conflict with Iran, when Trump repeatedly called for “zero enrichment” and framed the dismantling of Tehran’s nuclear capabilities as a central objective of U.S. policy.

Trump’s latest comments could signal greater flexibility in ongoing efforts to secure a lasting agreement with Tehran following the recently announced ceasefire. However, the apparent shift is likely to draw scrutiny from congressional Republicans and other critics who have advocated strict limits on Iran’s nuclear activities.

The prospect of allowing Iran to retain a civilian nuclear programme may also revive comparisons with the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), the multilateral accord negotiated between Iran, the United States, Britain, France, Germany, Russia, China and the European Union.

Trump withdrew Washington from the agreement during his first term, arguing it failed to adequately curb Tehran’s nuclear ambitions.

Details of a potential new accord remain unclear, but Trump’s comments suggest the administration may be prepared to tolerate nuclear energy production for civilian purposes, provided broader security concerns are addressed.

The remarks come as Washington and Tehran seek to translate a fragile ceasefire into a broader diplomatic settlement after months of conflict that disrupted regional security and energy markets.

By Aghakazim Guliyev