Trump rules out need for nuclear weapons against Iran, claims 90% of targets destroyed and defends war despite rising oil prices

U.S. President Donald Trump said he saw no need to use nuclear weapons against Iran, claiming that American military operations had already destroyed 90% of their intended targets, while defending his decision to wage war despite the conflict's impact on oil prices and Republican losses in the midterm elections.

Asked directly whether he would consider using nuclear weapons against Iran, Trump dismissed the need for such an escalation.

“I don't need it. We've knocked them out already, 90%. So I don't need that,” he said.

Trump did not specify what the 90% figure referred to, leaving unclear whether he was describing Iranian military infrastructure, particular operational targets or the overall effectiveness of the U.S. campaign. The figure was presented as the president's own assessment rather than an independently established measure of damage.

The president also declined to rule out additional conventional military action when asked whether he intended to escalate the conflict.

“We're going to take a look, and if we see any opportunity to do one thing or another, we're going to do what's best for this country,” Trump said.

His remarks left Washington's next military steps open, even as he suggested that the campaign had already achieved substantial results.

Trump also addressed the economic consequences of the war, acknowledging that rising oil prices had become a central explanation for Republican setbacks in the November 3 congressional elections.

“A lot of people say the oil price, because of Iran,” he said.

Nevertheless, the president insisted that the strategic benefits of his decision outweighed the immediate economic and political costs.

“But I am totally convinced that my decision on Iran, for the long-term good of our country and even the world, was absolutely correct, and it continues to be,” Trump said.

The comments came as the administration faced increasing scrutiny over the duration and consequences of the conflict, including its effect on global energy markets and the cost of gasoline for American consumers.

Trump has acknowledged that the war contributed to Republican election losses but has repeatedly rejected suggestions that launching the military campaign was a mistake.

His latest statements combined a rejection of the immediate need for nuclear weapons with a refusal to exclude further military operations, underscoring the uncertainty surrounding the next phase of the conflict.