Trump Rules Out Nuclear Strike on Iran; Tehran Urges Unity

US President Donald Trump has ruled out using nuclear weapons against Iran and sending American ground troops there, while Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has called for national unity, saying bombs and missiles cannot force the Iranian people to surrender.

Trump’s Remarks

In an interview on Thursday, October 15, Trump said the United States does not need to use nuclear weapons against Iran. He was asked about a media report that Washington was considering using the GBU-43/B Massive Ordnance Air Blast bomb, known as the “Mother of All Bombs”, against Iran after the US midterm elections. He did not directly confirm or deny the report but said the weapon is a very large conventional bomb, not a nuclear one. He also said there was no prospect of deploying US ground troops in Iran, and repeated that his objective is to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.

Report on US Options

The report, citing US officials, said Washington was examining options that could include using the bomb against Iranian infrastructure and nuclear facilities. Sources questioned whether it would be effective against sites protected by thick granite.

Mixed Signals on Timing

Last Thursday, Trump wrote that the US would carry out no further strikes on Iran until after November 3, but on Monday he told reporters the election timetable would not determine policy towards Tehran. He has not confirmed any decision on fresh strikes.

Pezeshkian’s Message

Speaking at a National Nurses Day ceremony, Pezeshkian said a society cannot be forced to surrender with bombs and missiles, but that internal division would help Iran’s adversaries. He urged officials to avoid statements that could weaken public confidence, and said Iran would use all available capabilities to protect its independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, according to Iran’s IRNA news agency.