Trump Urges Gulf Leaders: No Iran Nuclear Deal Without Ending Proxy Support

Report by Safarti Tarjuman International Desk

U.S. President Donald Trump called on Gulf leaders Wednesday to support his firm stance that any future nuclear agreement with Iran must include a complete halt to Tehran’s backing of armed proxy groups across the region.

Speaking at the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) summit in Riyadh, hosted by Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman, Trump emphasized that while he is open to a new nuclear agreement with Iran, such a deal must be comprehensive and enforceable.

“Iran must end its sponsorship of terrorism, stop funding proxy wars, and permanently cease all pursuit of nuclear weapons,” Trump stated. “There will be no agreement if Iran continues to destabilize the region through violence.”

The U.S. and Iran have held four rounds of negotiations in recent weeks focused on curbing Tehran’s nuclear ambitions. Trump has expressed optimism about a breakthrough but warned that time is running out.

During his address, Trump pointed to the weakened state of Iran-backed groups, including Hezbollah in Lebanon, Hamas in Gaza, and the Houthis in Yemen, saying this moment presents a chance for real change. “The world deserves a future free from the grip of extremist proxies,” he said. “Hezbollah has lost much of its leadership. With Assad gone, Iran’s supply lines are broken.”

Trump also met with Syria’s interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa during his visit, a meeting arranged with encouragement from Crown Prince Mohammed and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The president announced the U.S. would lift longstanding sanctions on Syria, calling them “devastating and deeply restrictive.”

“Ending these sanctions won’t make recovery easy, but it gives Syria a fair chance to rebuild,” Trump told reporters, referring to penalties first imposed during the Assad era. The announcement received enthusiastic support during the Saudi-U.S. Investment Forum, held in conjunction with the summit.

Looking toward Gaza, Trump praised the efforts of GCC nations in pursuing peace and stability. “We’re grateful for the constructive role played by our Gulf partners in seeking an end to this tragic conflict,” he said, expressing hope for “a future of dignity and safety for the Palestinian people.”

The president concluded his remarks by thanking Crown Prince Mohammed for the warm welcome. “It’s been an honor to be here. I look forward to continuing our strong partnership,” Trump said, before departing for Qatar and the United Arab Emirates as part of his ongoing regional tour.