Trump Rules Out Nuclear Strike on Iran

President Donald Trump said the U.S. would not need nuclear weapons against Iran, ruling out a nuclear strike during remarks to Newsmax. He referenced the reported weighing of the GBU-43, dubbed the “mother of all bombs,” saying it “is not nuclear” and describing it as an “extremely large bomb,” without confirming or denying the reports. Trump also said he did not see sending ground troops. CNN reported that the Pentagon has drawn up new strike plans against Iran’s energy infrastructure and nuclear sites that include the MOAB option, to be triggered if Trump orders combat operations to resume around or after the midterms. Sources questioned the MOAB’s ability to penetrate deeply enough to hit hardened targets like the facility at Pickaxe Mountain and warned of potential civilian risk near populated areas.