Donald Trump has said he would not authorise the use of nuclear weapons against Iran, signaling a softer tone after earlier rhetoric that raised fears of extreme escalation.
Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump dismissed the idea outright, arguing that conventional military strength is more than sufficient.
“I wouldn’t use it,” he said, adding that recent operations had already dealt significant damage without resorting to nuclear force. “A nuclear weapon should never be used by anyone.”
The remarks contrast sharply with comments he made on April 7.
Then, he warned that an entire civilization could be wiped out overnight—language that sparked widespread alarm internationally.
The Ceasefire
However, that same day, tensions eased after Trump agreed to a ceasefire tied to the broader conflict involving the United States and Israel, a truce that has since held.
During that period, Vice President JD Vance hinted that Washington could escalate using weapons “not previously used,” fueling speculation about nuclear options.
The administration later clarified that his statement did not refer to nuclear arms.
Vance also took part in diplomatic efforts aimed at pressuring Iran over its nuclear ambitions, though negotiations ultimately broke down without a deal.
Trump reiterated that preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons remains a central objective.
He framed the policy as a matter of global security, warning of the risks posed by a nuclear-armed Iran.
Tehran, however, continues to deny pursuing such weapons.
The International Atomic Energy Agency has previously indicated that there was no immediate threat of Iran producing an atomic bomb before the recent conflict.
US And The History Of Nuclear Weapons
The United States remains the only nation to have used nuclear weapons in war, dropping atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki during World War II—attacks that killed more than 200,000 people.
Although Israel is widely believed to possess nuclear weapons, it has never officially confirmed their existence.
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Trump’s latest stance appears at odds with longstanding US defense doctrine, which leaves open the possibility of nuclear use under extreme conditions. Washington has also historically resisted adopting a formal “no first use” policy.
In contrast, former president Barack Obama advocated for a gradual path toward eliminating nuclear weapons globally, while maintaining that the US arsenal serves as a necessary deterrent in the meantime.
