President Donald Trump on Monday reacted sharply to a reporter's question about whether he had ruled out using nuclear weapons in Iran, calling it a "stupid question" while stating there was "no reason for it."
During a press availability in the Oval Office, Trump was asked by News Nation reporter Libbey Dean if he had "ruled out" such a deployment. "Well, I would never say that, but the answer is yes, I ruled out... no reason for it. What a stupid question that is actually," Trump responded.
He further elaborated, "Here they are, they're totally defeated militarily. So now I defeat them and now I should use a nuclear weapon on top of it? What a stupid question."
The conflict with Iran has resulted in 18 American military deaths over a six-month period, with an estimated $37.5 billion in direct spending by the United States. Trump characterized Iran as a "failed nation" with severe economic issues, including "350 percent inflation" and "no currency."
Trump affirmed that the U.S. military continues to work on keeping the Strait of Hormuz open and ensuring the safe passage of oil tankers. "That doesn't mean we won't smack them, we'll see what happens," he added, indicating potential further escalation to bring the conflict to an end.
Earlier on Monday, Trump shared an AI-generated video depicting an attack on Iran's energy hub, Kharg Island, with the caption "Kharg Island being blown to smithereens!!!"
The ongoing conflict in Iran has presented political challenges and strained U.S. military resources. Reports indicated that top military generals had warned Secretary of War Pete Hegseth that the prolonged war could impede the Pentagon's ability to respond to threats against the United States. The military leadership formally "non-concurred" with Hegseth's plan to keep over 50,000 troops on alert, according to the Washington Post, citing classified documents.
Trump dismissed concerns about the threat to the United States, stating, "We are very respected, nobody would be crazy enough to do it."
Discussions regarding the potential use of nuclear weapons in Iran have occurred within the Pentagon. Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Elbridge Colby confirmed that "credible, rational, nuclear options" had been developed.
The idea of using nuclear weapons in Iran has drawn criticism from figures such as conservative podcaster Tucker Carlson, who argued that Trump should face impeachment for even considering such an option. Carlson stated on his podcast that "Anyone who would even tolerate that kind of talk from any of his subordinates or employees is by definition unfit."
Trump had previously ruled out the use of nuclear weapons in April when questioned by PBS News reporter Liz Landers, stating, "We don't need it. Why do I need it? Why would a stupid question like that be asked? Why would I use a nuclear weapon where we've totally in a very conventional way decimated them without it."