In his recent State of the Union address, President Donald Trump reiterated his strong stance against Iran, asserting his willingness to use military force to prevent the country from acquiring nuclear weapons, while also indicating a readiness to explore diplomatic options. He refrained from explaining the military buildup near Iranian territory or the specific triggers for potential military action, but he leveled unprecedented accusations against the Islamic Republic regarding its missile development, which he labeled as threats to U.S. allies and potentially the U.S. mainland itself.

To gain insight into Trump's claims, Al Jazeera reached out to seven experts from various military, political, and diplomatic backgrounds who have worked in both Republican and Democratic administrations. These experts largely downplayed Trump's assertions, citing the lack of credible evidence supporting his statements about Iranian missile capabilities and the implications of their potential threat. Their collective analysis provided a more nuanced perspective on Iran's military ambitions and the geopolitical landscape surrounding them.

The exchange illustrates the ongoing debate within U.S. politics regarding the approach to Iran, particularly in the context of national security and diplomatic relations. While Trump's administration may lean towards a more aggressive posture, the consensus among these experts suggests a need for cautious evaluation and strategic diplomacy rather than the outright dismissal of potential dialogue with Iran, highlighting the complexity of the issue at hand.