US at war with Iran, can't let 'lunatics' have nukes
What's the story
United States President Donald Trump has reiterated his hardline stance against Iran, saying the US is at war with the nation as "We're in a war because, I think you would agree, we can't let lunatics have a nuclear weapon." This statement comes even as members of his administration told Congress that the war is over. Speaking at an event in Florida, Trump claimed US military action had prevented Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.
Military intervention
Trump claims Iran would have had nuclear weapons
Trump said, "We stopped them (Iran) with the B2 bombers. If we didn't do that, they would've had a nuclear weapon. Israel, the Middle East, and Europe would have been blown to pieces." He also claimed that Iran was being decimated and had no navy or air force left. "They have no navy. They have no air force. They have no anti-aircraft equipment. They have no radar. Their leaders are all gone," he said.
Proposal rejection
Trump rejects Iran's proposal to end conflict
Trump has rejected Iran's latest proposal to end the conflict, saying it won't be resolved prematurely. He blamed Tehran's "fractured leadership" for not providing a satisfactory deal, the "kind of deal that we have to have." The rejection came soon after Pakistan, acting as a mediator, delivered the proposal from Iran. Despite accusations of violations from both sides, a fragile ceasefire between the US and Iran remains in place.
Future options
Iran in talks to end war
Trump has said that Iran has two options: to "blast the hell out of them and finish them forever" or to try and make a deal. Meanwhile, Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has been in talks with regional counterparts about ending the war. Two rounds of inconclusive talks in Pakistan have not made any headway, with US President JD Vance confirming no progress was made despite efforts from both sides.