US President Donald Trump has ruled out the use of nuclear weapons against Iran, saying Washington has no need to resort to such an attack, as Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian insists that military strikes cannot force the Iranian people to surrender.
In an interview with US television network Newsmax on Thursday, Trump also dismissed the possibility of deploying American ground troops in Iran. His comments came amid renewed reports that Washington was examining additional military options against Iranian targets.
Meanwhile, Pezeshkian called on Iranians to maintain national unity, warning that internal divisions could undermine the country more effectively than bombs and missiles.
The contrasting statements highlight the continuing tensions between Washington and Tehran as questions remain over the possibility and timing of further US military action.
Trump Rules Out Nuclear Weapons Against Iran
During the Newsmax interview, Trump was asked about a CNN report suggesting that the United States was considering using the GBU-43/B Massive Ordnance Air Blast, widely known as the “Mother of All Bombs,” against Iran after the US midterm elections.
Trump did not directly confirm whether his administration was considering deploying the weapon. Instead, he emphasized that the MOAB is a conventional bomb rather than a nuclear device.
“The Mother of All Bombs is not nuclear. It’s not nuclear at all. This is just an extremely large bomb. It’s like a tiny nuclear bomb,” Trump said.
When asked whether he would consider using a tactical nuclear weapon against Iran, the US president rejected the idea.
“No, I wouldn’t use nuclear [against Iran]. We don’t have to. We’re the greatest nuclear power in the world,” he said.
Trump also claimed that the United States possessed more nuclear weapons than Russia, describing Moscow as the world’s second-largest nuclear power and China as the third.
He separately ruled out sending American ground forces into Iran, saying there was no prospect of deploying US troops on the ground.
US Reportedly Examines Additional Military Options
Trump’s remarks came amid renewed speculation about possible American attacks against Iranian infrastructure and facilities linked to the country’s nuclear programme.
According to the CNN report, which cited US officials familiar with military planning discussions, Washington had been examining options that could include the use of the MOAB.
One potential target mentioned in the report was a suspected nuclear facility at Pickaxe Mountain. However, questions were reportedly raised about whether the powerful conventional weapon could effectively damage a site believed to be protected by thick layers of granite.
The MOAB weighs approximately 21,600 pounds and is designed to generate a powerful blast across a wide area. Unlike weapons specifically designed for deep penetration, its effectiveness against heavily fortified underground facilities may be limited.
Trump has repeatedly stated that preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon is a central objective of US policy. However, his latest comments did not establish whether a new military operation had been approved or whether the reported options remained under consideration.
Trump Sends Mixed Signals on Timing of Possible Strikes
The interview followed several statements from Trump that have left questions about the timing of any further US military action against Iran.
Last Thursday, Trump wrote on Truth Social that the United States would not conduct additional strikes against Iran until after November 3. However, he later told reporters that the midterm election timetable would not determine his administration’s approach to Tehran.
At a campaign rally in Alaska on Tuesday night, Trump again used threatening language when discussing Iran.
“Oh, wait till you see what we do to Iran. We’re going to do a number. Wait till you see,” he told supporters.
The remarks have added to uncertainty surrounding Washington’s next steps. While Trump has spoken about the possibility of further action, he has not confirmed a decision to launch additional strikes at a specific time.
The reported consideration of the MOAB has also drawn attention to the potential targets and limitations of any future operation, particularly if facilities are located deep underground.
Trump Discusses Netanyahu and Israel’s Military Partnership
During the Newsmax interview, Trump also addressed his relationship with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and whether he would participate in Netanyahu’s campaign for another term in office.
Asked whether Israeli officials would welcome his involvement, Trump said they would like him to take part, pointing to what he described as a successful working relationship between the two leaders.
“Well, they’d like me to be. Yeah, they’d like me to be. Look, I’ve had a very good relationship with him. We’ve had good success together,” Trump said.
However, when asked whether he trusted Netanyahu personally, Trump said he was generally unwilling to place complete trust in political figures.
“I don’t trust anybody, honestly. I don’t trust anybody. In the world of politics, I don’t trust anybody,” he said.
Trump also praised the military cooperation between the United States and Israel during the conflict with Iran. He claimed that their joint operations had significantly weakened Iran’s leadership and military capabilities.
“We had a very successful partnership, you know, in terms of a military partnership,” he said.
His comments underscored the close military relationship between Washington and Jerusalem, although they did not provide further details about future operations or the extent of any potential US involvement in Israeli domestic politics.
Pezeshkian Says Bombs and Missiles Cannot Force Iran to Surrender
In Tehran, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian delivered a message of resistance, arguing that military attacks would not force the Iranian population to abandon its position or surrender.
Speaking on Thursday at a ceremony marking National Nurses Day, Pezeshkian urged Iranians to remain united in the face of external pressure.
“You cannot force a society to surrender with bombs and missiles, but if we are divided and divided from within, the enemy will achieve his goal,” he said, according to Iran’s state-run IRNA news agency.
Pezeshkian warned that Iran’s adversaries could attempt to exploit economic hardship and domestic challenges to weaken the country from within.
He argued that maintaining public unity was essential to resisting outside pressure and protecting Iran’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity.
His remarks came as reports about possible further American military action circulated, adding to concerns about the future direction of the confrontation between the two countries.
Iranian President Calls for Greater National Unity
Pezeshkian also praised nurses, healthcare workers and other personnel continuing to serve the public under difficult circumstances. He acknowledged their contributions to public welfare and the country’s ability to withstand ongoing challenges.
The Iranian president urged government officials to avoid statements or actions that could weaken public confidence or deepen divisions within society.
He called on officials to use available resources to strengthen trust between the government and the public, presenting national cohesion as a key factor in protecting Iran’s sovereignty.
Pezeshkian’s message placed domestic unity at the centre of Iran’s response to external pressure. While Trump has ruled out nuclear weapons and ground troop deployments in his latest remarks, reports of possible conventional strikes indicate that uncertainty over Washington’s next military steps remains.