US President Donald Trump has categorically ruled out using nuclear weapons against Iran, calling the suggestion 'stupid' as he emphasized Tehran's military defeat. Asked directly whether he had ruled out a nuclear strike, Trump replied, 'Well, I would never say that, but the answer is yes, I rule out. No reason for it.' He then dismissed the question as absurd, stating 'What a stupid question that is actually. Well, here they are, they're totally defeated militarily. So now I defeat him and now I should use a nuclear weapon on top of him. What a stupid question.' These remarks came after Iran reportedly fired ballistic missiles at US bases in Jordan in response to an earlier US strike on Iranian forces near the Strait of Hormuz. Trump maintained that the US could still carry out further strikes on Iran, describing the country as a 'failed nation' and pointing to its high inflation, weak currency and military losses.
US President Donald Trump has confirmed that American military operations targeting Iran may not have ended, despite the recent reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. Speaking to reporters, Trump stated that 'They are in deep trouble, they have very little capacity, the Strait of Hormuz is open, it doesn't mean we finished with the military.' The President highlighted that Iran is experiencing severe military and economic strain following recent confrontations, noting that 'They're not paying their troops. They're in deep trouble.' Trump ruled out immediate talks with Tehran, stating 'There's not a lot to speak with Iran, we are not looking to meet or anything, the strait is open.' These remarks underscore that Washington is maintaining all available options for future military engagement, with Trump offering no specific details regarding potential future operations or the conditions that would necessitate further US military action.
Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei has outlined a comprehensive strategy to address the country's economic challenges through domestic production and reduced US dollar reliance. According to reports from Press TV, Khamenei emphasized that 'the key to resolving all these matters in this field lies in relying as much as possible on domestic production.' He framed economic resilience as a mandatory national framework to counter external financial pressure and achieve long-term stability. In his latest message issued during Government Week, Khamenei praised the government's efforts to provide essential goods and services, repair critical damaged areas and manage the country's energy needs despite what he described as 'intensified sanctions, blockades and pressure from the US and Israel during and after the 'Third Imposed War.'
According to Axios, citing three unnamed US officials, the Trump administration is actively considering a campaign of limited strikes to stop Tehran from rebuilding its military capabilities in the Strait of Hormuz. The plan, drawn up over the past week by US Central Command and backed by Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, though it had not been formally approved by Trump before the weekend's exchange of fire with Iran. The objective involves periodically degrading Iran's radar, air defence and anti-ship missile capabilities to reduce the risk of attacks on tankers and US military assets, described internally as needing to 'mow the lawn.' Asked by a reporter whether a resumption of strikes on Iran would amount to a limited campaign or a return to full-scale war, Trump dismissed Iran as a failed state, stating 'Look, they're a failed nation. Yeah. They've got 350% inflation, they have no currency. They're not paying their soldiers. Their leaders are largely dead. Their navy is gone, their air force is gone, their surveillance equipment is almost entirely gone.'
Trump praised Russia's behavior regarding the Strait of Hormuz, stating 'It depends, I think Russia has behaved quite well, so far regarding the Strait of Hormuz.' He refrained from specifying the actions Moscow had taken or confirming if Washington had secured any firm commitments from Russia concerning its engagements with Tehran. These statements arrive amidst ongoing concerns regarding the safety of commercial vessels and the transport of energy resources across the region. A White House statement said Trump 'retains all options at his disposal,' and that Iran 'wants to make a deal, but they are always a day late and a dollar short.' These developments come as the US maintains its position of 'extremely good shape' regarding the waterway's security.
