16/10/2026
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16/10/2026
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WASHINGTON, Oct 16 : US President Donald Trump has ruled out using nuclear weapons against Iran, saying Washington does not need them, while warning that further strikes could target Iran’s suspected underground nuclear facilities.
In an interview with Newsmax on Thursday, Trump addressed reports that his administration was considering deploying the GBU-43/B Massive Ordnance Air Blast (MOAB), known as the “mother of all bombs,” in potential future attacks on Iran. The weapon is a conventional, non-nuclear bomb.
“The mother of all bombs is not nuclear,” Trump said, describing it as an extremely large conventional weapon.
Asked directly whether he would use nuclear weapons, Trump replied: “No, I wouldn't use nuclear. We don't have to.”
The remarks came after reports that the US military had developed additional strike options involving Iranian energy infrastructure and nuclear-related sites if Trump ordered a resumption or expansion of military operations. The reports do not establish that a decision to use the MOAB has been made.
Trump warns of possible strike on Pickaxe Mountain
Trump also raised the possibility of attacking Pickaxe Mountain, a suspected underground facility believed to be associated with Iran’s nuclear programme.
“Now, we're looking at Pickaxe Mountain. We may have to go there,” he said, adding that the target could be struck quickly.
Asked whether such an operation would involve American ground troops, Trump replied: “No, I don't see that. I don't see that.”
The potential target has attracted attention amid concerns over the effectiveness of conventional weapons against deeply buried facilities. The MOAB is designed primarily to cause extensive destruction over a surface area rather than penetrate deep underground, raising questions about its suitability against heavily fortified sites.
Trump said Washington's objective was to ensure Iran would never acquire nuclear weapons. He warned that the United States might need to undertake further military action within a year if it withdrew without achieving that objective.
‘Iran war will be over very soon’
Trump also predicted that the conflict with Iran would end soon, saying Tehran was negotiating with Washington.
“The Iran war will be over very soon. It's going to end very soon,” he said.
“One way or the other, it'll end very soon. And oil will go dropping like a rock — and gas prices as well.”
Trump claimed Iranian officials had asked Washington to halt American and Israeli military operations and said the United States was doing so while negotiations continued.
“They've asked us to please stop. And we do, because we're negotiating with them,” he said.
The claims about Iran's request and the progress of negotiations were not independently established in the material reviewed.
Trump says he trusts nobody in politics
During the interview, Trump was also asked whether he trusted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
“I don't trust anybody, honestly,” he replied.
“In the world of politics, I don't trust anybody.”
His comments came as the administration faced questions about its military options against Iran, the future of the conflict and the prospects for a negotiated settlement.
Verification note: The background reporting on possible MOAB use is supported by CNN reporting and coverage from Reuters and CBS News.
