Recalling the U.S. attacks on Iranian nuclear sites in June, Trump mused, ‘Now, we may have to go one step ahead—or perhaps not. We might strike a deal instead.’ His follow-up was cryptic: ‘Expect clarity in about 10 days.’

The core message was unequivocal: Iran cannot have nukes. ‘Nuclear weapons in Iran’s hands would doom Middle East peace,’ Trump stated, emphasizing the non-negotiable red line.

On the diplomatic front, Trump highlighted the fruitful engagements led by Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner with Iranian officials. ‘Negotiations are heading the right way,’ he said. ‘Iran’s been tough to deal with, but a solid agreement is essential.’ He described Iran as a current ‘hot spot.’

Trump used the platform to address multiple crises, including Hamas, while touting the Board’s unprecedented importance. He mocked hesitant countries, particularly Europeans, for snubbing the invite amid fears it could eclipse the United Nations—with Trump possibly holding permanent control.

This debut meeting sets a tense tone for the Board of Peace, blending Trump’s deal-making flair with hawkish undertones, as stakeholders brace for what comes next in the Iran saga.

Trump previously asserted on his social media platform that the U.S. possesses the largest nuclear arsenal, a position he attributes to advancements made during his first term. He expressed a personal aversion to nuclear weapons but cited national security imperatives. The U.S. conducted 1,054 nuclear tests between 1945 and 1992, primarily in Nevada, before halting them due to environmental concerns and a decrease in Cold War tensions. The nation has since maintained a moratorium, though the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty, signed by President Clinton in 1997, was not ratified by the Senate.

Once a strategic asset for Pakistan, the Taliban has now turned on its creator. Afghan Taliban fighters are launching attacks from across the border, while TTP militants operate with impunity within Pakistan, severely challenging General Asim Munir’s military. TTP leader Noor Wali Mehsud has been seen openly issuing ‘conquest’ orders within Pakistani territory, specifically in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, indicating a severe loss of control for Islamabad.

Peace talks in Istanbul aimed at curbing militant activity failed when the Afghan Taliban refused to act against the TTP and other groups operating from Afghanistan. Instead, they suggested Pakistan negotiate directly with the TTP, a proposal Pakistan rejected. This signifies Afghanistan’s unwillingness to assist Pakistan in controlling the militant groups it fostered.

Evidence of disintegrating military authority is mounting, with TTP fighters reportedly seizing Pakistani military vehicles and establishing checkpoints in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, functioning as a de facto parallel government. Adding to Pakistan’s security concerns, a former CIA officer has suggested that Pakistan does not fully control its nuclear weapons, with launch codes potentially held by American generals due to fears of the arsenal falling into terrorist hands. Facing attacks from the west, internal insurgency, and external doubts about its nuclear control, Pakistan is in an unprecedented existential crisis.

Decades of nurturing the Taliban as a strategic tool have backfired, leaving Pakistan surrounded by the very militants it empowered. Afghan Taliban forces are launching attacks from across the border, while TTP militants operate with impunity within Pakistani territory, actively challenging the authority of General Asim Munir’s army.

A disturbing video has surfaced showing Noor Wali Mehsud freely moving in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, issuing directives to his heavily armed fighters. He stated, “We have been commanded to conquer Pakistan. No matter what price we pay, defeating Munir’s army is our ultimate goal.” The inability of Pakistani forces to apprehend a prominent terrorist leader within their own borders highlights a severe erosion of state control.

Peace talks in Istanbul aimed at curbing militant activity from Afghanistan ended in a major diplomatic failure. Pakistan urged the Afghan Taliban to take action against the TTP and other groups, but received a flat refusal. Instead, the Taliban suggested Pakistan negotiate directly with the TTP, a proposal Islamabad rejected, underscoring Afghanistan’s unwillingness to rein in the militants.

Further evidence of collapsing military authority emerged as TTP fighters were seen driving a stolen Pakistani military vehicle before destroying it, a symbolic act of defiance. Checkpoints manned by the TTP are reportedly operating across parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, functioning as a parallel administration while Pakistani forces appear powerless.

Adding to Pakistan’s security anxieties, a former CIA officer has suggested that Pakistan may not have full control over its nuclear weapons. Concerns that these weapons could fall into terrorist hands, a possibility amplified by TTP’s internal presence, and fears of preemptive strikes from regional rivals, have reportedly led to external safeguards on launch codes.

Pakistan finds itself in a perilous situation, facing internal insurgency fueled by the ideology it helped spread. With escalating threats from across its western border and within, coupled with doubts about its nuclear deterrent’s autonomy, the nation confronts an existential threat. The message from the Taliban is clear: Pakistan, the creator of this current menace, now faces destruction by its own creation.

The move was initiated by key European countries, while Tehran has warned of a strong response. The sanctions were reinstated under the ‘snapback’ mechanism, included in the 2015 nuclear agreement (JCPOA) between Iran and world powers.

The snapback provision in the 2015 Iran nuclear agreement (JCPOA) allows for the re-imposition of all previous UN sanctions within 30 days without requiring Security Council approval if any party proves Iran is not complying with the agreement. These measures include freezing Iranian assets, restricting arms sales, imposing limits on ballistic missile programs, travel restrictions, and blocking the transfer of nuclear technology, leading to the reimposition of sanctions on Iran.

Britain, France, and Germany have accused Iran of violating the 2015 nuclear agreement, which aimed to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons.

Despite the accusations, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian addressed the UN General Assembly in New York, stating that Iran has no intention of developing nuclear weapons. He reiterated that Iran has never sought, nor will it seek, to create a nuclear bomb. The reimposition of sanctions followed his statement.

The collapse of this decade-old nuclear agreement could increase tensions in the Middle East, especially given that the United States and Israel bombed Iranian nuclear sites three months prior.

Foreign ministers from Britain, France, and Germany issued a statement urging Iran and all countries to fully comply with these proposals and to continue diplomatic channels and dialogue. They said that reimposing UN sanctions is not the end of diplomacy.

Russia opposed the move. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that the move is illegal and cannot be implemented, and he warned UN Secretary-General António Guterres that recognizing the return of sanctions would be a grave mistake.

While Iran has warned of a strong response to the sanctions, President Masoud Pezeshian stated that the country has no intention of withdrawing from the Non-Proliferation Treaty. Iran has also recalled its ambassadors to Germany, France, and Britain for consultations, stating that the European countries have taken irresponsible steps that will further increase regional instability.