Key Takeaways
- Former President Donald Trump asserted that the destruction of Iran's nuclear arsenal was a prerequisite for achieving the recent Gaza peace agreement, claiming Iran was months away from developing a nuclear weapon.
- Trump stated that the U.S. "obliterated" Iran's nuclear capabilities through strikes in June, which he believes paved the way for the current ceasefire framework.
- In an interview with Fox News, Trump issued a stern warning to Hamas, indicating that if the militant group does not disarm voluntarily, the United States "will disarm them."
- While Hamas reportedly "promised" to disarm, Trump did not provide a specific timeline but warned of swift and potentially violent action if they fail to comply, clarifying that U.S. "boots on the ground" would not be involved, suggesting Israel as a proxy.
Former President Donald Trump has made significant pronouncements regarding the ongoing Middle East peace process, linking past military action against Iran to the recent Gaza agreement and issuing a direct ultimatum to Hamas regarding disarmament. These statements underscore the complex and interconnected nature of regional stability.
Iran's Nuclear Arsenal and the Gaza Agreement
Speaking on Sunday, October 19, 2025, Trump declared that the United States' actions to "destroy Iran's nuclear arsenal" were fundamental to reaching the Gaza peace agreement. He emphasized that without these strikes, Iran would have been on the verge of acquiring a nuclear weapon, potentially within one to two months, thereby casting a "dark cloud" over any peace efforts.
The former President referenced U.S. strikes on key Iranian nuclear facilities in June, which he claims "obliterated" the country's nuclear program, rendering it "nonexistent." Trump also noted a shift in Iran's stance, stating that Tehran now "wants to work on peace" and has expressed being "totally in favor of this deal." The Gaza peace deal, announced in early October, includes a ceasefire, a prisoner-hostage exchange, and provisions for humanitarian aid.
Ultimatum to Hamas on Disarmament
In a separate interview with Fox News, Trump addressed the future of Hamas, stating unequivocally that if the group is "forced," the United States "will disarm Hamas." He indicated that Hamas had, in indirect communications, "promised" to disarm.
While no "hard timeline" was provided for this disarmament, Trump conveyed that if Hamas fails to comply, the U.S. would take action "quickly and perhaps violently." He clarified that this would not involve American "boots on the ground," suggesting that a "proxy" such as Israel would carry out the disarmament. Disarmament is a key component of the second phase of Trump's broader 20-point peace plan for the region. Historically, Hamas has maintained that it would only disarm upon the establishment of a Palestinian State.
Ed Liston is a senior contributing editor at TheStockMarketWatch.com. An active market watcher and investor, Ed guides an independent team of experienced analysts and writes for multiple stock trader publications.