Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has sharply criticized former President Donald Trump’s ongoing negotiations with Iran over its nuclear program, calling them “hazardous” and warning of the risks involved in any potential deal. DeSantis, a rising star in the Republican Party, has been vocal about his concerns regarding Iran’s nuclear ambitions and the broader implications of diplomatic engagement with the Islamic Republic, which he believes cannot be trusted as a reliable international actor.
DeSantis’ remarks come amid President Trump’s attempts to revive negotiations with Iran, despite his controversial decision to withdraw from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) in 2018. The 2015 agreement, brokered under President Barack Obama, aimed to curb Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief. Trump’s withdrawal from the deal was a major shift in U.S. foreign policy, and since then, he has expressed a desire to reach a new agreement that would address Iran’s nuclear activities while still keeping military options on the table.
Governor DeSantis argues that allowing Iran to enrich uranium under any new deal would pose a significant security threat, particularly in light of the regime’s ideology. “We are dealing with a regime that operates under a militant, radical, and apocalyptic worldview,” DeSantis stated in a recent interview. “Iran’s leadership, including its supreme leader, has openly stated that they view nuclear conflict as something potentially divinely sanctioned, which is fundamentally different from Cold War deterrence strategies.” DeSantis’ criticism underscores a growing concern that Iran’s leadership could be more willing to risk escalation compared to more conventional nuclear-armed states.
The Florida governor also warned that the Trump administration’s willingness to re-engage diplomatically with Tehran could undermine U.S. interests and those of its allies, particularly Israel. Israel has consistently opposed any agreement that would allow Iran to develop its nuclear capabilities, viewing the Islamic Republic as an existential threat to its security. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has repeatedly called for stronger measures to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons, including military action if necessary.
Trump’s diplomatic overtures have thus caused significant tension between the U.S. and Israel, with many in the Israeli government questioning whether a new agreement with Iran could truly prevent the country from developing nuclear weapons in the long term. Critics argue that Iran has used past negotiations to buy time and advance its nuclear program, a concern that remains central to the debate surrounding the JCPOA’s potential revival.
While DeSantis has taken a firm stance against any deal that would allow Iran to enrich uranium, Trump has maintained that diplomacy should be pursued before resorting to military action. In recent public statements, the former president has emphasized that he is open to negotiating a new agreement with Iran, but only if it results in a comprehensive and verifiable halt to Iran’s nuclear ambitions. At the same time, Trump has left the military option on the table, signaling his willingness to use force if necessary to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons.
DeSantis’ comments reflect a broader skepticism within the Republican Party about the effectiveness of diplomacy with Iran. While many Republican lawmakers supported Trump’s decision to exit the JCPOA, they remain divided on the issue of re-engaging in talks with Tehran. Some, like DeSantis, argue that Iran cannot be trusted and that the risks of negotiation outweigh the potential benefits. Others, however, see diplomacy as a necessary tool to avoid military conflict and maintain global stability.
The debate over U.S. policy toward Iran will likely continue to be a prominent issue in the 2024 presidential election, as both DeSantis and Trump are expected to vie for the Republican nomination. The candidates’ differing approaches to Iran may become a key point of distinction in the campaign, with DeSantis positioning himself as a staunch advocate for a hardline approach to Tehran, while Trump emphasizes the importance of direct negotiations.
In addition to the U.S. political ramifications, the evolving situation with Iran also has global implications. The potential for a renewed nuclear agreement could shift the balance of power in the Middle East, especially in relation to the ongoing conflict in Syria, as well as tensions with regional players like Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. The future of U.S.-Iran relations remains uncertain, and the decisions made in the coming years could shape the geopolitical landscape for decades.
