Former U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo stated unequivocally that there is no realistic chance of reaching a nuclear deal with Iran’s current regime, delivering his remarks during a February 1, 2026 interview on Israel’s Channel 13. Pompeo argued that Tehran forfeited any credibility as a negotiating partner by violating the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action from its inception, insisting that the agreement was broken “from day one.”

Pompeo rejected the notion that renewed diplomacy could restrain Iran’s nuclear ambitions, asserting that years of deception, noncompliance, and regional aggression have rendered negotiations ineffective. Instead, he advocated for a return to “maximum pressure,” the strategy pursued during the Trump administration that combined economic sanctions, diplomatic isolation, and strategic deterrence to constrain the regime’s behavior.

He further emphasized that sustained pressure from the United States and its allies could accelerate internal unrest within Iran. Pompeo pointed to ongoing anti-regime protests as evidence of deep dissatisfaction among the Iranian population, arguing that external pressure should be aligned with the aspirations of Iranians seeking fundamental political change rather than legitimizing the ruling clerics through failed agreements.

The remarks come amid heightened U.S.–Israel coordination and a more openly hawkish posture toward Tehran following escalating confrontations in recent years. Tensions intensified after Operation Midnight Hammer in June 2025, when U.S. B-2 bombers carried out strikes on key Iranian nuclear facilities, including Natanz and Fordow, under President Donald Trump’s leadership. The operation marked a decisive shift toward direct action against Iran’s nuclear infrastructure and reinforced Washington’s willingness to use force if necessary.

Pompeo’s comments reflect a broader consensus among hardline policymakers in both Washington and Jerusalem that Iran’s regime cannot be trusted to honor international commitments. By dismissing the prospect of a deal outright, he reinforced the argument that deterrence, pressure, and support for democratic movements inside Iran—not renewed negotiations—represent the most viable path to regional stability and long-term security, particularly for Israel and America’s allies in the Middle East.