Trump Rules Out Nuclear Option in Iran Conflict, Emphasizes Pursuit of Lasting Peace Deal

Washington, The Gulf Observer: Donald Trump has stated that he would not use nuclear weapons in the ongoing conflict involving Iran, stressing that such weapons should never be deployed under any circumstances.

Speaking to reporters at the White House on Thursday, Trump said the United States had already achieved significant military success through conventional means.

“Why would I use a nuclear weapon? We’ve totally, in a very conventional way, decimated them without it,” he remarked, ruling out the possibility of nuclear escalation.

The US president underscored the catastrophic consequences of nuclear warfare, stating, “A nuclear weapon should never be allowed to be used by anybody. There’s nothing worse than a nuclear weapon that takes out cities, destroys the Middle East, or creates a nuclear holocaust in Europe.”

Addressing the timeline for a potential long-term peace agreement with Iran, Trump indicated that negotiations would proceed cautiously. “Don’t rush me,” he said, adding that while a deal could be reached quickly, he preferred a comprehensive and enduring agreement.

“I want to make the best deal. I could make a deal right now, but I don’t want to do that. I want to have it everlasting,” he noted.

Trump also claimed that Iran’s military capabilities had been significantly weakened, citing the destruction of its naval and air assets, as well as air defense systems. He suggested that any rearmament during the recent two-week ceasefire period could be swiftly countered.

“Maybe they loaded up a little bit during the two-week hiatus, but we’ll knock that out in about one day, if they did,” he said.

Reiterating his broader objective, Trump emphasized the importance of securing a deal that ensures global safety. “I want a great deal where our nation and the world is safe from lunatics with nuclear weapons,” he added.