Trump says nuclear weapons 'should never be allowed,' will not be used against Iran

Lead

US President Donald Trump said Thursday that he would not use a nuclear weapon in the ongoing conflict with Iran, stating that such weapons "should never be allowed to be used by anybody." Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump emphasized his preference for a peaceful resolution, saying he wants to make "the best" and "everlasting" deal with Tehran.

"Why would I use a nuclear weapon? We've totally, in a very conventional way, decimated them without it," Trump said, according to multiple reports from Reuters and Yonhap News Agency. He described the war as "stupid" and reiterated his commitment to avoiding nuclear escalation.

Coverage Comparison

Reporting from both Reuters (via the Jerusalem Post) and South Korea's Yonhap News Agency broadly aligns on the core facts: Trump ruled out nuclear use, hopes for a durable peace agreement, and referenced Iran's military weakness. The sources agree that Trump announced an extension of the ceasefire with Iran until Tehran submits a "unified" proposal, reflecting his administration's view that Iran is divided between moderates and hard-liners.

Yonhap's coverage, based on a press availability Thursday, includes additional context about Trump's remarks on the Iranian leadership being "in turmoil" and "fighting like cats and dogs" over control of the country. Reuters' report also quotes Trump's warning about the potential for a "nuclear holocaust" in Europe if such weapons were ever used.

Some differences in emphasis emerge. A separate Jerusalem Post article, based on a Newsmax interview aired later, focuses on Trump's assertions that Iran would use a nuclear weapon if it acquired one and his demand for guarantees against that outcome. This piece is more aggressive in tone and includes claims about the destruction of Iran's military capabilities that are not present in the Yonhap reports.

Key Claims

• No Nuclear Use: Trump categorically ruled out using nuclear weapons against Iran, saying, "A nuclear weapon should never be allowed to be used by anybody." This statement was reported by Reuters and Yonhap across multiple articles.

• Seeking Lasting Deal: Trump emphasized his desire for an "everlasting" peace deal, saying, "I want to make the best deal. I could make a deal right now... but I don't want to do that. I want to have it everlasting." This sentiment appears in both Reuters and Yonhap accounts.

• Ceasefire Extension: Trump announced a two-day extension of the ceasefire with Iran, according to Yonhap, until Tehran submits a "unified" proposal. This was not prominently featured in the Jerusalem Post's Reuters piece, which focused on the nuclear remarks.

• Iran's Internal Division: The Trump administration believes Iran is struggling with internal divisions, making a coherent response difficult. Trump himself said Iran's leadership is "in turmoil" and that rival factions are "fighting like cats and dogs" for control.

• Iran's Military Defeat: Trump claimed that the US has "destroyed" Iran's navy, air force, and anti-aircraft equipment, and that the Iranian military is "totally defeated." These assertions come from Trump's own statements, as quoted by both outlets, but have not been independently verified.

• Guarantees Against Nuclear Weapons: In the Newsmax interview, Trump said, "We have to have guarantees they will never have a nuclear weapon." He also stated his belief that Iran would use such a weapon if it acquired one, a claim that appeared only in the Jerusalem Post's report.

• Strait of Hormuz Control: Trump claimed the US has "total control" of the Strait of Hormuz and that Iran's economy is collapsing due to the blockade. These claims were reported by Yonhap and the Jerusalem Post, respectively, but remain at the level of presidential assertion.

• Lebanon Ceasefire: A separate report, carried by Yonhap, mentions that a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon will be extended by three weeks. This appears as a side note and was not the focus of the main coverage.

Perspectives

The Trump administration, as conveyed through the president's own words, presents the conflict as a near-complete military success that should be leveraged for a comprehensive political settlement. Trump's remarks reflect confidence in the US position and a desire to avoid nuclear escalation, while insisting on stringent guarantees against Iran's nuclear ambitions.

From the vantage point of regional observers in the Middle East, as reflected in the Jerusalem Post's framing, there is a heightened focus on the nuclear dimension and the severity of the threat posed by Iran. The coverage there strikes a more urgent tone, highlighting the need for vigilance and the potential consequences of a nuclear-armed Iran.

Yonhap's perspective, representing an East Asian view, provides a more matter-of-fact account of the president's statements, placing them in the context of ongoing diplomatic efforts and internal Iranian dynamics. The wire service's neutrality underscores the international interest in the outcome of the US-Iran standoff.

Notably, some claims, such as the extent of damage to Iran's military and its economic collapse, rely heavily on Trump's own assertions and have not been corroborated by independent reporting. These should be viewed with caution pending further verification.