The U.S. Department of War has released its 2026 National Defense Strategy, which says Iran, despite major setbacks in recent months, including Operation Midnight Hammer, remains determined to rebuild its conventional forces and may continue pursuing nuclear weapons while refusing serious negotiations with the United States.

The strategy reiterates President Trump’s position that Iran will not be allowed to obtain a nuclear weapon. It says Iran is now weaker than it has been in decades, with its “Axis of Resistance” badly damaged, Hezbollah and Hamas significantly degraded.