The United States does not rule out the possibility of using military force against Iran if diplomatic efforts to contain Tehran's nuclear program prove ineffective. This was stated by US Special Presidential Envoy Steven Witkoff in an interview with Fox News on March 23, 2025. According to him, the administration of Donald Trump, which returned to power in January, considers the use of force as an extreme measure, but remains ready for it under certain conditions. 

Answering the host's question about the prospects of military intervention, Witkoff emphasized that Washington is trying to avoid escalation, but does not intend to turn a blind eye to threats.

"We do not want to solve all problems through military action, but this does not mean that we will not resort to it if circumstances force us to do so," - he noted.

The special envoy particularly highlighted Trump's position, which considers the appearance of nuclear weapons in the hands of Iran unacceptable.

"The President is absolutely convinced: Iran must not get a nuclear bomb. We will not allow them to start building a nuclear arsenal - this is a red line that cannot be crossed," "Whitkoff said, emphasizing the strategic goal of American policy in the region. 

The announcement comes amid heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran over Iran’s continued nuclear program. Earlier in March, Trump sent a letter to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei offering to negotiate a new nuclear deal while warning of possible military consequences if Iran refuses. The initiative was part of a two-pronged White House strategy that combines diplomatic pressure with tougher sanctions aimed at cutting Iran’s oil revenues to zero — an approach Trump successfully used in his first term. 

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said in a February 2025 report that Iran had stockpiled about 275 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60%, just one step short of weapons-grade levels of 90%. Experts estimate that this amount is enough to build up to six nuclear warheads, subject to further enrichment. IAEA chief Rafael Grossi warned in early March that time was running out for a diplomatic solution as Tehran continued to expand its capacity. Iran, for its part, insists that its program is peaceful, rejecting accusations that it is pursuing nuclear weapons. 

Against this backdrop, Washington has stepped up its actions against Iran's allies in the region. On March 15, the US military launched large-scale strikes against the Houthis in Yemen, who are backed by Tehran, in response to their attacks on ships in the Red Sea. According to Reuters, 31 people were killed, making it the largest US military operation in the Middle East since the beginning of Trump's second term. The White House said the moves were intended to force Iran to reconsider its position and come to the negotiating table. However, Ayatollah Khamenei on March 21 called Trump's threats "useless" and promised a "tough response" to any pressure, which only escalated the confrontation.