NEW YORK, United States โ U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz delivered a strong warning about the dangers posed by Iran’s nuclear program during remarks at The Jerusalem Post 2026 New York Conference, arguing that Tehran’s pursuit of nuclear weapons threatens not only Israel and the Middle East, but global security as a whole.
Speaking before an audience of policymakers, diplomats, journalists, and Jewish community leaders, Waltz said an Iranian nuclear breakout would fundamentally alter the security landscape of the region and could create the risk of nuclear technology reaching terrorist organizations allied with the Islamic Republic.
Waltz stressed that preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons remains one of the most important national security objectives facing the United States and its allies.
Warning Of Nuclear Proliferation Risks
During his remarks, Waltz argued that the dangers posed by Iran extend beyond the possibility of a nuclear weapon being developed by the regime itself.
He warned that Tehran’s longstanding relationships with regional proxy groups create additional concerns about the future spread of advanced military capabilities.
“If you think for a second Iran won’t hand that capability over to Hezbollah, the Houthis, or others, you’re mistaken,” Waltz said.
The ambassador described such a scenario as one that would dramatically increase the risks facing both regional governments and international security agencies.
“Now you have terrorist organizations with nuclear proliferation, something that I, as a Green Beret, and countless others have spent decades fighting to prevent,” he said.
“My colleagues have given their lives over the last 20 years to stop exactly that scenario from becoming reality.”
His comments reflected a broader concern frequently expressed by Israeli and American officials regarding Iran’s support for armed groups throughout the Middle East.
The United States has designated several of these organizations as terrorist entities and has repeatedly accused Tehran of supplying funding, weapons, training, and operational support.
Support For Continued Pressure On Tehran
Waltz emphasized the importance of maintaining international pressure on Iran through diplomatic, economic, and multilateral mechanisms.
He specifically highlighted the role of sanctions imposed through the United Nations and other international bodies.
“One of the things the United Nations has done right is enact snapback sanctions to complement the maximum-pressure campaign that President Trump has reinstituted,” Waltz said.
Snapback sanctions allow previously suspended international sanctions to be restored if Iran is found to be violating its commitments under international agreements.
Waltz argued that these measures remain an important tool in limiting Tehran’s ability to advance its nuclear program and fund regional proxy networks.
“We must continue using every available tool to ensure that Iran never obtains a nuclear weapon,” he said.
The ambassador’s remarks align with the Trump administration’s stated policy of preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons capability while maintaining pressure on the regime through sanctions and diplomatic isolation.
U.S.-Israel Partnership Remains Central
Beyond discussing Iran, Waltz devoted a significant portion of his address to highlighting the strategic partnership between the United States and Israel.
He described the alliance as one of the most important relationships in American foreign policy and argued that it remains rooted in shared democratic values and common security interests.
“As America approaches its 250th birthday, the world’s oldest democracy remains proudly partnered with the Middle East’s only democracy,” Waltz said.
“That relationship must remain strong, and I am proud to serve a president who is committed to keeping it strong.”
The ambassador noted that cooperation between the two countries extends beyond military and intelligence matters and includes economic, technological, scientific, and diplomatic partnerships.
Israeli and American officials have frequently described the relationship as a cornerstone of regional stability and a critical component of efforts to counter extremist threats.
Values And Democratic Principles
Toward the conclusion of his remarks, Waltz broadened the discussion to include what he described as the fundamental principles underpinning democratic societies.
He argued that individual freedoms and human rights are rooted in enduring values that must be actively defended.
“Our rights and freedoms come from God,” Waltz said.
“They do not come from a king, a czar, or an emperor. They come from God, and then the people decide what powers they entrust to representative government.”
Waltz said these principles continue to guide American engagement at the United Nations and shape U.S. foreign policy priorities around the world.
“Those are values we can never take for granted, and they are values we will continue to fight for at the United Nations,” he said.
Focus On Security And Stability
The ambassador’s speech underscored the administration’s continued focus on confronting Iran’s nuclear ambitions, countering terrorism, and strengthening alliances with democratic partners.
For many attendees at the conference, the remarks reflected ongoing concerns regarding Iran’s regional activities and the future security environment facing Israel and its allies.
Waltz’s message was clear: preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons remains a strategic imperative not only for Israel and the United States but for the broader international community.
As tensions continue across the Middle East, he argued that vigilance, strong alliances, and sustained international pressure remain essential tools in preserving regional stability and preventing a far more dangerous future.
