Trump says nuclear weapon not needed as US has 'decimated' Iran

President Donald Trump said Thursday at the White House that he would not use a nuclear weapon in the ongoing war against Iran, insisting the United States has already "decimated" the country through conventional military means. "Why would I use a nuclear weapon? We've totally, in a very conventional way, decimated them without it," Trump told reporters. He added that "a nuclear weapon should never be allowed to be used by anybody." The president's comments came as negotiations continue over a potential long-term peace agreement with Tehran. Trump provided an assessment of Iran's current military capabilities, stating that the country's navy, air force, and anti-aircraft defense systems have been largely destroyed. He acknowledged that Iran might have "loaded up their weaponry a little bit" during a two-week ceasefire period, but expressed confidence that the U.S. military could eliminate any such buildup in approximately one day. "We'll knock that out about one day, if they did," he said. On the subject of peace negotiations, Trump indicated he is willing to wait for the right deal rather than rush into an agreement. "Don't rush me," he told reporters, adding that while he could make a deal immediately, he prefers to pursue what he called an "everlasting" arrangement. The president has maintained that his goal is to secure the most favorable terms possible for the United States rather than settle for a quick resolution.