US President Donald Trump has ruled out the possibility of using nuclear weapons against Iran amid the ongoing conflict, saying there is no justification for such an attack.
Responding to a journalist’s question about whether Washington could use nuclear weapons, Trump dismissed the idea and questioned why the United States would resort to such weapons if, as he claimed, Iran had already been “completely defeated.”
Trump reiterated that the United States had no reason to launch a nuclear strike against Iran and suggested that conventional military measures remained the focus.
His comments came as tensions between Washington and Tehran continue to center on the strategic Strait of Hormuz. Trump claimed that the situation in the waterway had improved significantly and that commercial shipping was operating normally.
According to Trump, around 30 vessels are passing through the Strait of Hormuz each day. US officials have also said traffic along routes operating under American protection has increased, although the exact number of commercial vessels and the extent of their protection remain subjects of debate.
Trump also described Iran as a “failed state,” claiming that inflation had reached 350 percent and that Tehran was struggling financially, including with the ability to pay its military personnel. He nevertheless indicated that Iran’s economic difficulties would not prevent Washington from taking further military action if deemed necessary.
US Considering Limited Military Action
While Trump has ruled out the use of nuclear weapons, reports suggest that his administration is considering limited, phased military strikes against Iran.
According to Axios, the proposed strategy would focus primarily on preventing Iran from rebuilding military capabilities that could threaten commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.
US Central Command (CENTCOM) has reportedly developed options targeting Iranian military infrastructure and facilities that could be used to threaten vessels traveling through the strategically important waterway.
The potential strikes would aim to disrupt Iran’s ability to rebuild radar and missile systems. US officials reportedly fear that restoring these capabilities could allow Tehran to resume attacks on commercial ships and disrupt maritime traffic.
Rather than launching a broad military campaign against Iran, the proposed operation would therefore focus on maintaining the security and freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.
Axios reported that Trump has discussed the possibility of limited strikes with his advisers. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is said to support the approach, while CENTCOM has reportedly presented the White House with operational options for carrying out a phased campaign.
Strait of Hormuz Remains at the Center of the Conflict
The Strait of Hormuz has emerged as a major flashpoint in the US-Iran confrontation because of its importance to global energy supplies and international shipping.
Washington is seeking to maintain freedom of navigation through the waterway, while Iran’s ability to attack ships and rebuild its radar and missile infrastructure remains a major concern for the United States.
Although Trump has dismissed the possibility of using nuclear weapons against Iran, the latest developments suggest that Washington is still considering conventional military action aimed at limiting Tehran’s capabilities and protecting commercial shipping through the Strait.
