Controversy over Trump's 'drug factories' remark on Iranian nuclear sites; Iran demands IAEA expose 'lies'

⏱️ Timeline

1. 3 Oct 2026, 19:28 US President Donald Trump's remark at a rally in Oklahoma, in which he spoke of 'drug factories' inside the three Iranian nuclear facilities targeted by the United States last June, sparked controversy among nuclear file experts. A CNN analysis concluded that the phrase was likely a slip of the tongue resulting from confusion with earlier talk about combating drug trafficking; Trump did not correct it later, and the White House declined to comment.
2. 5 Oct 2026, 11:27 The White House refused to provide an explanation for Trump's remark, while Iran's mission to international organizations in Vienna demanded that the IAEA expose what it described as lies.
3. 5 Oct 2026, 14:13 Iran responded to US President Donald Trump's remarks; its mission to international organizations in Vienna described them as a new 'big lie' added to Washington's claims about Tehran's nuclear program, demanded that the IAEA expose what it called lies, and said in this context that 'a liar should have a good memory.'

📰 All coverage