Trump threatens to end Iran war by force but rules out using nuclear weapon

WorldPolitics
24 Apr 2026 • 4:52 AM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

Trump threatens to end Iran war by force but rules out using nuclear weapon

  • US President Donald Trump has threatened to end the war with Iran by force if they don’t agree to a deal to stop the conflict in the Middle East.
  • “If they don't want to make a deal, then I'll finish it up militarily with the other 25% of the targets,” he said in remarks at the White House. “We've had 78% of the targets that we've wanted to hit.”
  • He admitted Iran ​may ⁠have reloaded ​their weaponry "a ⁠little bit" ‌during the two-week ‌ceasefire but ‌added that the ⁠US military can knock that out in about ‌one ​day.
  • Trump also dismissed the idea of using a nuclear weapon on Iran, telling reporters, “No. Why do I need it? Why would a stupid question like that be asked? ... No, I wouldn't use it. A nuclear weapon should never be allowed to be used by anybody.”
  • His remarks came hours after he ordered the US navy to “shoot and kill any boat” that is dropping mines in the Strait of Hormuz, casting doubt over a fragile ceasefire holding between the countries.

IN FULL