1 September 2026 (Navroze Bureau) : US President Donald Trump has ruled out using nuclear weapons against Iran, while declaring that Tehran will “never have a nuclear weapon” and describing Iran as a “failed nation” following renewed military exchanges between the two countries.
Trump Rules Out Nuclear Strike
Asked in the Oval Office whether he had ruled out using a nuclear weapon against Iran, Trump ultimately answered yes, saying there was “no reason” to use such weapons because he claimed Iran had already been defeated militarily.
Trump also dismissed the question as “stupid,” stressing that he saw no justification for escalating to nuclear weapons after conventional military action.
‘Iran Will Never Have a Nuclear Weapon’
Despite ruling out the use of US nuclear weapons, Trump maintained that Iran itself must never be allowed to acquire one.
He said Iran would “never have a nuclear weapon,” reiterating one of the central objectives of the US campaign against Tehran: preventing Iran from developing a nuclear bomb.
Trump Calls Iran a ‘Failed Nation’
Trump also described Iran as a “failed nation”, pointing to severe economic difficulties, including very high inflation, a weakened currency and problems affecting the payment of Iranian security forces.
His comments came as Washington continued to combine military pressure with economic measures aimed at weakening Tehran.
US-Iran Fighting Resumes
Trump’s comments followed a renewed exchange of attacks between the United States and Iran after roughly a month without direct US strikes.
US forces recently targeted Iranian rocket launchers on Larak Island near the Strait of Hormuz, saying the launchers posed a threat connected to possible mine deployments in the strategic waterway. Iran subsequently retaliated with missile attacks against US positions in the region.
Strait of Hormuz Remains Critical
The latest escalation has once again placed the Strait of Hormuz at the centre of the conflict.
Trump said the waterway was in “extremely good shape” and credited US Navy assistance with helping ships pass through. However, the conflict has already disrupted maritime traffic and global energy flows.
Nuclear Issue Remains Unresolved
While Trump says Iran will not obtain a nuclear weapon, the broader nuclear issue remains unresolved.
US and Israeli military strikes have reportedly delayed Iran’s nuclear programme, but uncertainty remains over Iran’s remaining capabilities and the extent to which international inspectors can access relevant facilities.
Washington Shifts Towards Economic Pressure
After months of fighting, the Trump administration has increasingly emphasised economic pressure and sanctions alongside military measures.
The shift reflects the difficulty of achieving Washington’s original objectives through military force alone, while the prolonged conflict has also placed pressure on US military resources.
Risk of Further Escalation
Trump’s rejection of nuclear weapons does not mean the wider conflict has ended.
The US president has continued to threaten further conventional military action if Iran attacks American forces or disrupts shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Iran, meanwhile, has maintained its ability to strike US and allied positions across the region.