---
title: "Trump: 'I Don't Want to Destroy the Rest of Iran, But I Might Have To' — 25 Years to Recover and Administration Split"
description: "Trump stated he does not want to destroy the rest of Iran but did not rule it out, estimating the country's recovery period at 25 years. Following the Republicans' defeat, a dispute over future strategy—resuming strikes or winding down the operation—has intensified within the U.S. administration."
date: 2026-11-06T01:45:58.570Z
lang: en
url: https://xab.info/en/posts/trump-iran-destroy-25-years-recovery
tags: [trump, iran, us-military, white-house, middle-east, pentagon, republicans]
author: "Alexander Buran"
publisher: "XAB.info"
---

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

![Donald Trump speaking emotionally at a podium during a press conference](https://xab.info/media/2026/11/06/trump-iran-destroy-25-years-recovery/trump-iran-destroy-25-years-recovery-1.webp)

## Key Points

- Trump did not rule out that the U.S. might have to destroy the remaining part of Iran, estimating recovery at 25 years
- The president rejected intermediaries' nuclear initiatives and stated that nuclear weapons will not be used
- According to Trump, not a single person has died in the conflict over the past 6–7 months, with total U.S. losses at 18 people
- Following the Republicans' midterm defeat, a dispute has intensified within the administration: resume strikes or wind down the operation
- Vice President Vance, according to Axios, advocated for agreements with Iran and called the war the reason for the Republicans' loss

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.

## Fact-Check & Sources

- [Трамп не исключил, что ему придется разрушить оставшуюся часть Ирана](https://www.rbc.ua/ukr/news/tramp-viklyuchiv-shcho-yomu-dovedetsya-zruynuvati-1793928560.html) - Direct quotes from Trump's White House broadcast: 25 years to recover, rejection of nuclear initiatives, 7 months of presence, 18 casualties, comparison with Russia and Ukraine. WSJ and Axios data on administration split.
- [Трамп исключил ядерный удар по Ирану: "В этом нет необходимости"](https://mignews.com/news/politic/tramp-isklyuchil-yadernyj-udar-po-iranu-v-etom-net-neobhodimosti.html) - Newsmax interview: rejection of nuclear weapons. CNN: Pentagon considering MOAB strikes on Pickett Mountain. Consistent with quotes from source 1.
- [Трамп не исключил, что США снова придется атаковать Иран](https://www.rfi.fr/ru/%D0%B2-%D0%BC%D0%B8%D1%80%D0%B5/20260519-%D1%82%D1%80%D0%B0%D0%BC%D0%BF-%D0%BD%D0%B5-%D0%B8%D1%81%D0%BA%D0%BB%D1%8E%D1%87%D0%B0%D0%B5%D1%82-%D1%87%D1%82%D0%BE-%D1%81%D0%BD%D0%BE%D0%B2%D0%B0-%D0%BF%D1%80%D0%B8%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D1%82%D1%81%D1%8F-%D0%B0%D1%82%D0%B0%D0%BA%D0%BE%D0%B2%D0%B0%D1%82%D1%8C-%D0%B8%D1%80%D0%B0%D0%BD) - Confirms the fact of Trump's White House statement about possible resumption of attacks. Dated 19.05.2026, consistent with chronology.

## FAQ

### How long does Trump estimate it will take Iran to recover?

Trump stated that Iran will need about 25 years to rebuild the country after the combat actions.

### Will the U.S. use nuclear weapons against Iran?

Trump explicitly stated he will not use nuclear weapons, calling it unnecessary. Meanwhile, the Pentagon, according to CNN, is considering MOAB non-nuclear strikes.

### How many casualties has the U.S. suffered in the conflict with Iran?

According to Trump, the U.S. has lost 18 people. He also stated that not a single person has died in the past six to seven months.

### What disagreements exist within the U.S. administration regarding Iran?

According to the WSJ, some officials advise resuming strikes before the 2028 elections, while others advise winding down the operation. Vice President Vance, per Axios, advocated for agreements with Iran.