Trump: US Won't Use Nuclear Weapons in War with Iran
Translated from Indonesian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
TLDR
- President Trump stated he would not use nuclear weapons in a war with Iran, emphasizing conventional forces have already devastated them.
- Trump reiterated that nuclear weapons should never be used by anyone and expressed a desire for a lasting peace deal with Iran.
- The US and Iran have been engaged in conflict, with a recent two-week ceasefire and subsequent talks in Islamabad ending without a resolution, leading to naval blockades.
From the White House, President Trump sent a clear message on Thursday: the United States possesses overwhelming conventional military superiority over Iran and has no intention of resorting to nuclear weapons in any potential conflict. His remarks, made to reporters, directly addressed speculation about the use of atomic arsenals, asserting that such a move would be unnecessary given the already "completely" devastated state of Iranian forces through conventional means.
Why should I use nuclear weapons? We have completely, in a very conventional way, destroyed them without it.
Trump's stance underscores a strategic doctrine that prioritizes overwhelming force without escalating to the nuclear level. He emphasized that nuclear weapons are a taboo that should never be employed, aligning with a broader, albeit perhaps self-serving, call for global restraint. The President also conveyed a sense of impatience with the pace of negotiations, suggesting that while a deal could be struck quickly, he is holding out for a more enduring agreement that permanently prevents Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.
No, I will not use it. Nuclear weapons should never be allowed to be used by anyone.
The context of these statements is a period of heightened tension and intermittent conflict between the US and Iran. Following a recent two-week ceasefire and inconclusive talks in Islamabad, the situation remains volatile, marked by reciprocal actions such as naval blockades. While the US military's capability to swiftly neutralize any Iranian military resurgence is highlighted, the underlying diplomatic stalemate persists. The President's rhetoric, while firm on non-nuclear policy, also signals a willingness to engage in protracted negotiations for a "best" and "forever" deal, reflecting a complex mix of military posturing and diplomatic aspiration.
I want to make the best deal. I can make a deal right now... but I don't want to do it. I want this deal to last forever.
Originally published by Tempo in Indonesian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.