Iran Rejects Trump’s ‘Terror Sponsor’ Charge, Calls Nuclear Claims ‘Big Lies’ Ahead Of Geneva Talks

Tensions between Washington and Tehran sharpened after US President Donald Trump used his State of the Union address to accuse Iran of expanding its missile capability and reviving nuclear ambitions.

The remarks drew a swift rebuttal from the Iranian government, which dismissed the allegations and insisted diplomacy still offers a path forward.

Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei responded publicly, saying the accusations about the country's nuclear programme and internal unrest were baseless, even though the official statement avoided naming the US president directly.

Iran dismisses missile and nuclear accusations

Trump warned that Tehran was developing weapons capable of threatening Western interests. He said Iran had "already developed missiles that can threaten Europe and our bases overseas, and they're working to build missiles that will soon reach the United States of America". He also accused the country of pursuing "sinister nuclear ambitions".

Baqaei countered the claims in a post on X, stating, "Whatever they're alleging in regards to Iran's nuclear programme, Iran's ballistic missiles, and the number of casualties during January's unrest, is simply the repetition of 'big lies'."

Iran also rejected Washington's claims regarding protest deaths. The US president had alleged that authorities killed 32,000 people during demonstrations that began in December and peaked on January 8 and 9.

Western governments have long suspected Tehran of seeking nuclear weapons, but Iranian officials maintain the programme serves civilian purposes.

Threats and warnings on both sides

In his speech, Trump said he would not allow Iran to possess atomic weapons. "My preference is to solve this problem through diplomacy but one thing is certain: I will never allow the world's number one sponsor of terror, which they are by far, to have a nuclear weapon," he said.

He also signalled military pressure, noting a large US deployment around the Gulf and warning of possible strikes if negotiations fail.

Tehran responded with its own warning, saying any attack, even limited, "would be regarded as an act of aggression" and would draw a firm response.

Geneva talks offer diplomatic opening

Despite the sharp rhetoric, both countries are preparing for another round of talks. Delegations are scheduled to meet in Geneva, Switzerland, in what will be the third attempt this year to secure a diplomatic settlement.

Hours before Trump's address, Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi expressed cautious optimism. "We have a historic opportunity to strike an unprecedented agreement that addresses mutual concerns and achieves mutual interests," he wrote, adding that a deal was "within reach, but only if diplomacy is given priority".

He reiterated Tehran's position, saying Iran will "under no circumstances ever develop a nuclear weapon" while defending its right to "harness dividends of peaceful nuclear technology".

Background of stalled negotiations

Iran and the United States previously held five rounds of nuclear negotiations last year. The process collapsed after Israel launched an unprecedented attack on Iran, triggering a 12-day conflict that halted diplomacy.

With both sides now returning to talks amid military threats and public accusations, the upcoming Geneva meeting is being viewed as a crucial test of whether tensions can be reduced through negotiation rather than confrontation.