Trump touted the use of U.S. military might to curb Iran’s advances toward a nuclear weapon at the State of the Union on Tuesday evening, even as tensions remain high between Washington and Tehran over Iran’s weapons capabilities.

“We are in negotiations with them they want to make a deal but we haven’t heard those secret words: we will never have a nuclear weapon,” Trump said.

Trump reminded audiences about the destruction of Iran’s nuclear program through Operation Midnight Hammer, the elimination of Qasem Soleimani, which occurred under his first term, and the recent American threat of force that helped deter the death of civilian protesters in Iran.

Trump said his administration would continue to work with Iran to prevent the development of nuclear weapons, but he would not hesitate to go further if necessary.

“They are again pursuing their sinister ambitions,” Trump said.

“My preference is to solve this problem through diplomacy, but one thing is certain. I will never allow the world’s No 1. sponsor of terror — which they are by far — to have a nuclear weapon. Can’t let that happen.”