US President Donald Trump has said he would not use nuclear weapons against Iran. He made the remarks in an interview with Newsmax on Thursday, 15 October 2026, after being asked about reports that his administration was considering a very large bomb against Iran. Here is what he said and what it means.
What Trump Said
Asked directly about using nuclear weapons, Trump said: “No, I wouldn’t use nuclear. We don’t have to.”
The question came after reports that the US was considering using the “mother of all bombs” (MOAB) against Iran, possibly after the US midterm elections. Trump said the MOAB is not a nuclear weapon. In his words, it is “just an extremely large bomb.” The reports about such a plan have not been officially confirmed in the sources reviewed.
What He Said About Ground Troops
Trump was also asked whether a possible operation against Pickaxe Mountain, a suspected underground nuclear site, would involve American ground troops. He replied: “No, I don’t see that.” On the site itself, he said: “We’ll take a shot at that one. We’ll knock it out fast.”
What He Said About the War
Trump said the Iran war “will be over very soon.” He also said Iran is negotiating with Washington and that the US had paused operations at Iran’s request. These are Trump’s own claims. The reports reviewed did not include a response from Iranian officials, so they have not been confirmed by Tehran.
Where Things Stand
US and Israeli military operations against Iran have been going on this year, and tensions remain high around the Strait of Hormuz. Iran’s side says current problems in the strait are caused by military aggression and a naval blockade against Iran. The White House has said Trump is considering all options to stop Iran getting a nuclear weapon. Iran says its nuclear programme is peaceful.
Why This Statement Matters
- It lowers fears of nuclear use. Any talk of nuclear weapons in a war raises alarm around the world, so a clear “no” is closely watched.
- It is a spoken remark. It is not a formal policy change or a legal commitment.
- It does not rule out other force. Trump spoke about a large conventional bomb and about striking underground sites, so military action remains on the table.
- Reaction is still awaited. No response from Iran to these remarks has been reported yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Trump rule out nuclear weapons against Iran?
Yes. He said, “No, I wouldn’t use nuclear. We don’t have to.”
What is the “mother of all bombs”?
It is a very large conventional (non-nuclear) bomb. Trump said it is “just an extremely large bomb.”
Will the US send ground troops to Iran?
Trump said he does not see ground troops being used in a possible operation against Pickaxe Mountain.
Has Iran responded?
No Iranian response to these remarks was reported in the sources reviewed.
Is the war about to end?
Trump says it will end “very soon” and that talks are under way. This has not been confirmed by Iran.
Trump’s words give some reassurance on nuclear weapons, but the situation remains tense, and any developments in talks or military action will shape what comes next.
