Trump Says Iran Is 'Totally Defeated,' Rules Out Nuclear Strikes: 'There’s No Reason for It'

President Donald Trump ruled out using nuclear weapons against Iran while warning that the U.S. would respond forcefully after Tehran launched retaliatory strikes against American forces in Jordan.

Trump Rules Out Nuclear Strike on Iran

On Monday, during an Oval Office event, a reporter asked Trump whether he had ruled out using a nuclear weapon against Iran.

"Well, I would never say that, but the answer is yes," Trump said, adding, "I rule out. There’s no reason for it."

Trump then criticized the question, saying, "What a stupid question that is, actually."

The president argued that Iran had already suffered a decisive military defeat.

"Here they are. They’re totally defeated militarily," Trump said.

He added, "So now I defeat them and now I should use a nuclear weapon on top of them."

Iran Retaliates After US Strike

On Sunday, Iran retaliated against U.S. forces after the U.S. military struck two Iranian rocket launchers on Larak Island near the Strait of Hormuz, reportedly targeting them because the IRGC was preparing to launch rockets carrying sea mines.

The IRGC said it responded with missile and drone attacks on two U.S. air bases in Jordan.

Jordanian authorities said air defenses intercepted and destroyed eight missiles entering its airspace, with no reported casualties or damage.

The strikes were the first U.S. attacks on Iranian targets since late July. The IRGC called the U.S. and Israeli strikes a "strategic and deadly mistake" and vowed retaliation.

Fox News reporter Trey Yingst said Trump vowed a strong U.S. response to Iran’s overnight missile attack on U.S. forces, telling Fox News, "We’re going to hit them hard" and "There will be a response."

President Trump says the United States will respond to the Iranian missile attack on U.S. forces overnight.

"We're going to hit them hard," President Trump told Fox News. "There will be a response." pic.twitter.com/sjLOLSxm4g

— Trey Yingst (@TreyYingst) August 31, 2026

Trump Threatened Iran’s Financial Supporters

Earlier, Trump announced the "most crushing economic operation ever taken against any country," targeting Iran and warning nations supporting Tehran financially would face severe consequences.

He said Iran’s military infrastructure had been devastated and urged allies to help "isolate and defeat" the Iranian threat.

Trump also warned that oil smuggling, cash transfers, swap lines and other financial channels supporting Iran "all needs to stop now," while reiterating, "Iran will never have a nuclear weapon."

Image via Shutterstock/ Below the Sky