Trump: 'I Don't Want to Destroy the Rest of Iran, But I Might Have To' — 25 Years to Recover and Administration Split

U.S. President Donald Trump, speaking with reporters at the White House, stated that he does not want to destroy the remaining part of Iran, but did not rule out that Washington might have to do so. According to his estimate, Tehran will need about 25 years to rebuild the country after the experienced combat actions. 'I would prefer, if possible, not to destroy the rest of the country, but I might have to do it. You will find out soon,' RBC-Ukraine quotes the American leader citing the White House broadcast.

Rejection of Nuclear Scenarios and Control Over the Situation

Trump rejected any nuclear initiatives by intermediaries proposed regarding Iran, emphasizing that Tehran 'will do nothing without U.S. permission.' In an interview with Newsmax, he explicitly stated: 'I will not use nuclear weapons. There is no need for it.' Meanwhile, according to CNN citing U.S. officials, the Pentagon is considering plans for possible strikes using the largest non-nuclear bomb GBU-43/B (MOAB), including on the underground complex at Pickett Mountain. Trump, in turn, noted that the U.S. has been in Iran for seven months and controls everything 'they wanted to take under control,' while more oil is currently passing through the Strait of Hormuz than before the conflict began.

'Nobody Died': Trump Questions the Term 'War'

The American leader stated that he is not sure whether what is happening can be called a war, since over the past six to seven months, according to him, not a single person has died. 'And now look at Russia and Ukraine. That is a war. That is a real war. 25,000 people die there every month,' he said. At the same time, Trump reported that in the conflict with Iran, the U.S. has lost 18 people, comparing these figures to the thousands who died in the Vietnam War. The question, in his wording, is now whether 'to go further or cement the achieved result,' adding: 'We will make sure this never happens again.'

Administration Split After Midterm Election Defeat

Against the backdrop of these statements, The Wall Street Journal reports that following the Republicans' defeat in the midterm congressional elections, disagreements within the Trump administration regarding future strategy toward Iran have intensified. One group of officials recommends resuming strikes and reaching peace talks after they are held, but before the 2028 presidential election. Another group, on the contrary, advises the country's leader to accept the losses and wind down the military operation. According to Axios, Vice President JD Vance has consistently advocated for reaching an agreement with Iran in recent months, and after the Republicans' election defeat, publicly called the war with Iran one of the reasons for the party's loss.

Context and Prospects

Trump's statements came amid ongoing discussion about the nature of the American presence in Iran. While according to the president, the active phase of combat actions effectively concluded several months ago, the military, according to CNN, continues to prepare scenarios for new strikes. Thus, the administration faces a choice: to lock in the achieved results and move to a diplomatic settlement, or to continue military pressure, which, according to estimates within the White House, could affect the political climate ahead of the 2028 elections.