Will the US Use Nuclear Weapons in the War with Iran? Trump's Response

Amid rising tensions in the war between the United States and Iran, President Donald Trump sought to allay global fears regarding the potential for extreme escalation by affirming a line he would not cross in the conflict. Trump stated that he would not use nuclear weapons in the war against Iran. “Why would I use nuclear weapons? We have completely, in a very conventional way, destroyed them without it,” Trump told reporters at the White House when asked about the possibility of using such weapons, on Thursday (23/4/2026). He then reaffirmed his position more emphatically. “No, I will not use them. Nuclear weapons should never be allowed to be used by anyone,” he added, as reported by Reuters. This statement comes amid international concerns that the intensifying conflict could lead to the use of weapons of mass destruction. However, Trump stressed that the US’s conventional military power is already sufficient to significantly weaken Iran. When asked how long he was willing to wait for a long-term peace agreement with Tehran, Trump replied curtly, “Don’t push me.” He also alluded to the possibility that Iran might use the two-week ceasefire pause to rebuild its arsenal, though he believed the impact would be insignificant. “Their navy is gone. Their air force is gone, their anti-air defences are gone… maybe they add a little weaponry during that two-week pause, but we would disable that in about a day if they do,” he said. Trump described Iran’s current military condition as weakened, while implying confidence that any recovery efforts by Tehran could be swiftly neutralised by US forces. Nevertheless, he emphasised that his primary focus remains on achieving a sustainable peace deal, not just a quick solution. “I want to make the best deal. I could make a deal right now… but I don’t want to do that. I want a deal that lasts forever,” Trump said.