Trump Criticises Obama-Era Iran Nuclear Deal, Says It Failed to Curb Tehran's Nuclear Ambitions

U.S. President Donald Trump has renewed his criticism of the Iran nuclear agreement negotiated under former President Barack Obama's administration, describing the deal as a flawed policy that strengthened Tehran rather than limiting its nuclear ambitions.

According to Fox News, Trump made the remarks during a televised interview on Sunday, June 7, 2026, where he argued that the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) failed to achieve its primary objective of preventing Iran from advancing its nuclear programme.

The U.S. President contended that the agreement provided Iran with billions of dollars in sanctions relief, which he claimed enabled the country's leadership to consolidate its position and expand its influence instead of strictly adhering to international nuclear restrictions.

Defending his decision to withdraw the United States from the agreement during his first term in office, Trump rejected suggestions that the U.S. exit contributed to an escalation of Iran's nuclear activities. He maintained that his administration's approach placed greater pressure on Tehran and was more effective in addressing concerns surrounding Iran's nuclear programme.

Trump also criticised former President Barack Obama, accusing his administration of being too accommodating during negotiations with Iran. He argued that the deal failed to establish durable and enforceable limitations on Tehran's nuclear activities.

Speaking on the agreement, Trump said: "Obama signed that stupid deal where he paid them billions and billions of dollars. He thought he could bribe them."

Trump's comments come amid continued international diplomatic efforts aimed at managing tensions over Iran's nuclear programme. Current U.S. policy remains focused on preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons while pursuing diplomatic initiatives intended to reduce regional instability.

The Iran nuclear agreement, signed in 2015 between Iran and several world powers, has remained a contentious issue in U.S. foreign policy. While supporters argue that it placed significant restrictions on Iran's nuclear activities, critics, including Trump, maintain that it provided Tehran with substantial economic benefits without permanently addressing concerns over its nuclear ambitions.