United States President Donald Trump has ruled out the use of nuclear weapons against Iran, days after earlier threats raised fears of a possible escalation in the conflict.
Trump dismisses nuclear option
Speaking to reporters at the White House on Thursday, Trump said conventional military strength was sufficient and there was no need for nuclear deployment.
“No, I wouldn’t use it,” he said.
“Why would I use a nuclear weapon when we’ve… in a very conventional way, decimated them without it?”
He added that nuclear weapons should never be used by any country.
Shift from earlier warning
The statement marks a shift from Trump’s earlier remarks on April 7, when he warned that a “whole civilisation will die tonight,” a comment that sparked global concern.
Hours after that threat, however, the US agreed to a ceasefire in the conflict involving Israel, a truce that has since been extended.
Vance comments clarified
During the crisis, Vice President JD Vance had suggested the US could deploy weapons “not previously used,” fuelling speculation about nuclear options.
The White House later clarified that his statement did not refer to nuclear weapons.
Vance was also involved in negotiations with Iran over its nuclear programme, though talks did not produce a breakthrough.
Focus remains on Iran’s nuclear programme
Reiterating his position, Trump said the US priority is to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.
“We want an Iran without a nuclear weapon… that’s going to try and blow up one of our cities or the entire Middle East,” he said.
Iran has repeatedly denied pursuing nuclear weapons, while the International Atomic Energy Agency has said an atomic bomb was not imminent before the conflict.
Global context and policy stance
The United States remains the only country to have used nuclear weapons in warfare, during World War II in Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
Although Israel is widely believed to possess nuclear weapons, it has not officially confirmed its arsenal.
Trump’s position contrasts with longstanding US defence policy, which keeps the option of nuclear use under extreme circumstances and has resisted calls for a “no first use” pledge.
The development is drawing attention in latest Nigerian news and breaking news Nigeria today as global tensions and nuclear policy debates continue.