Iran Rejects Trump's Claims About Its Weapons Programs: 'Simply The Repetition of Big Lies'

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei rejected President Donald Trump's claims about the country's weapons programs, calling them lies.

"Whatever they're alleging in regards to Iran's nuclear program, Iran's ballistic missiles, and the number of casualties during January's unrest is simply the repetition of 'big lies,'" the official said in a social media publication. He also accused the Trump administration of conducting a "disinformation & misinformation campaign" against Tehran.

Trump said during his State of the Union address that even though he would rather deescalate tensions through diplomacy, "one thing is certain": "I will never allow the world's number one sponsor of terror, which they are by far, to have a nuclear weapon."

In another passage of the speech, Trump said at least 32,000 people were killed by the regime during the protests that took place earlier this year.

Washington and Tehran are set to meet for another round of talks in Geneva on Thursday under the mediation of Oman. It is unclear whether Trump will order strikes if the talks don't make substantial progress.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told CBS News that there is still a "good chance" for a diplomatic solution despite the U.S.'s continued military buildup in the region.

Other reports from the past days have detailed that President Donald Trump has been presented with options to strike Iran if the decision is made that talks are unfruitful. Reuters noted that some include targeting regime individuals, and Washington could also pursue regime change if the president gives the order.

The Wall Street Journal also detailed that Trump is considering a limited strike on Iran to force the regime into accepting a nuclear deal.

The strike would target military or government sites but fall short of a full-scale attack that could trigger a major retaliation.

Should that scenario take place and Tehran still refused to comply with Washington's demands, Trump could order a broader campaign that could potentially seek to overthrow the regime.