Trump Rules Out Nuclear Weapons Against Iran, Cites Military Defeat

U.S. President Donald Trump stated on Monday that he rules out the use of nuclear weapons against Iran, calling the question "foolish." Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, Trump asserted that Iran is "totally defeated militarily" and that there is "no reason" for such an action. He emphasized that preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons remains the central goal of U.S. policy, declaring, "Iran will never have a nuclear weapon. That's what it's all about. It's not about anything else." Trump suggested that if Iran possessed nuclear weapons, Israel would be annihilated, and likely the entire Middle East would cease to exist.

Trump described Iran as a "failed state" suffering from 350% inflation, currency shortages, and a dismantled military, with its navy and air force nonexistent and its radar systems gone. He indicated that the U.S. military action against Iran might continue, stating, "That doesn't mean we're not going to hit them. We'll see what happens." He also noted that the situation in the Strait of Hormuz is "exceptionally good" due to U.S. naval assistance, which has maintained an average of 30 ships passing nightly and prevented oil price spikes.

Addressing concerns from military commanders about the impact of the campaign on U.S. capabilities in other arenas, Trump dismissed these fears, characterizing the conflict as relatively small and using "very little, relatively speaking." He added that the U.S. has abundant ammunition worldwide and can source it from elsewhere if needed.