President Donald Trump on Monday reacted sharply to a reporter who asked if he had "ruled out" using nuclear weapons in Iran, calling the question "stupid" and asserting there was "no reason for it."
During an Oval Office exchange with News Nation reporter Libbey Dean, Trump stated, "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." 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 United States has been engaged in a six-month conflict with Iran, resulting in 18 American military deaths and an estimated $37.5 billion in direct spending. Trump described Iran as a "failed nation" with severe economic issues, including "350 percent inflation" and a devalued currency, adding that its leaders were "largely dead."
Despite the conflict, Trump affirmed the U.S. commitment to 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 a potential escalation to bring the conflict to a close.
Earlier on Monday, Trump shared an AI-generated video depicting the bombing of Iran's energy hub, Kharg Island, on social media, commenting, "Kharg Island being blown to smithereens!!!"
Military Concerns
The ongoing conflict with Iran has strained American forces. Top U.S. military generals reportedly warned Secretary of War Pete Hegseth that the prolonged war could impede the Pentagon's ability to respond to domestic and international threats. The Washington Post, citing a classified Secretary of Defense Orders Book, reported that military leaders formally "non-concurred" with Hegseth's proposal to keep over 50,000 troops on alert. Trump, however, dismissed concerns about the threat to the United States, stating, "We are very respected, nobody would be crazy enough to do it."
Nuclear Options Discussion
The possibility of using nuclear weapons in Iran has been a topic within the Pentagon. Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Elbridge Colby confirmed that "credible, rational, nuclear options" had been developed. Conservative podcaster Tucker Carlson criticized the mere consideration of nuclear weapons use in Iran, arguing that Trump should be impeached for tolerating such discussions.
Trump previously dismissed the idea of using nuclear weapons in Iran in April, responding to a question from PBS News reporter Liz Landers by 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."
