US President Donald Trump revealed his “decisive condition” for ending the war with Iran during an interview with Newsmax.
“The United States has dealt a crushing blow to the Iranian military and its leadership,” he asserted, but emphasized that “the end of the conflict hinges on ensuring that Tehran never acquires a nuclear weapon.”
He said, “We have already achieved a victory, but I am seeking an even greater victory. We have destroyed their navy, their air force, and all their capabilities—their defense and radar systems, their leadership—all of it has been razed to the ground.”
Trump described Iran as “largely exhausted militarily and economically,” and stressed that “strict guarantees to curb its nuclear program are the only way to achieve lasting stability.”
He added that Tehran’s ability to recover has “declined to an unprecedented degree,” saying, “If we withdraw now, it could take them 20 years to rebuild, if they can at all.”
Trump stressed that “military achievements alone are not enough,” explaining, “We must ensure absolutely that they never possess a nuclear weapon.”
He also expressed his belief that “Iran will resort to using a nuclear weapon if it acquires one,” stressing, “I know them very well – and we will not give them that opportunity under any circumstances.”
Trump added that Iran is facing “crippling pressure” on the economic front.
“Their economy is collapsing, inflation is nearing 100 percent, and they can’t export oil because the sanctions are working completely.”
He noted that international reactions “tend to be supportive,” but criticized the “lagging of allies in taking a more decisive stance,” specifically mentioning NATO countries.
Trump concluded, “What we are doing has broad support. The world is thanking me, even though this step should have been taken years ago, and other leaders and countries should have shouldered their responsibilities long ago.”
