Tells Gulf leaders Iran must cease support of proxy groups as part of any nuclear deal

Article Summary

US President Donald Trump urged Iran to cease support of proxy groups throughout the region and permanently verifiably cease pursuit of nuclear weapons during his visit to Saudi Arabia for the Gulf Cooperation Council summit. Trump’s push on Iran comes as its proxy network has faced significant setbacks, and he has repeatedly stated that he believes brokering a deal is possible but that the window is closing. The Republican president’s comments also follow four rounds of talks with Iran focused on its nuclear program.

What This Means for You

• Be aware of the potential for increased tensions between the US and Iran as Trump’s call for Iran to cease support of proxy groups and end its pursuit of nuclear weapons may not be met.
• Stay informed about the ongoing negotiations between the US and Iran, as any potential deal could have significant implications for global security and the nuclear non-proliferation regime.
• Consider the potential economic and political implications if a deal is not reached, as Trump has stated that “something’s going to happen one way or the other.”
• Keep an eye on regional dynamics in the Middle East, as any potential conflict between the US and Iran could have far-reaching consequences for US allies and partners in the region.

Original Post

US President Donald Trump told Gulf leaders on Wednesday he urgently wants “to make a deal” with Iran to wind down its nuclear program but Tehran must end its support of proxy groups throughout the region as part of any potential agreement.

Iran “must stop sponsoring terror, halt its bloody proxy wars and permanently and verifiably cease pursuit of nuclear weapons,” Trump said in remarks at a meeting of leaders from the Gulf Cooperation Council hosted by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in the Saudi capital.

“They cannot have a nuclear weapon.”

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, right, welcomes President Donald Trump for the group photo with Gulf Cooperation Council leaders during the GCC Summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Wednesday, May 14, 2025 (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

The US and Iran have engaged in four rounds of talks since early last month focused on Iran’s nuclear program. Trump has repeatedly said that he believes brokering a deal is possible but that the window is closing.

The Republican president’s strongly worded push on Iran to cease support of Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah in Lebanon and the Houthis in Yemen come as its proxy network has faced significant setbacks in the 19 months since Hamas launched its October 7, 2023, attack on Israel.

In Iran, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi called Trump’s remarks “deceitful” but did not directly address the US leader’s call on Iran to cease support of proxy groups.

Later, Trump, in an exchange with reporters aboard Air Force One, urged Iran “to make the right decision” about its nuclear program “because something’s going to happen one way or the other.”

US President Donald Trump speaks to reporters aboard Air Force One en route from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia to Doha, Qatar, Wednesday, May 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Key Terms

• Gulf Cooperation Council
• Iran Nuclear Program
• US-Iran Relations
• Middle East Proxy Wars
• Nuclear Non-Proliferation

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