WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump made it clear Thursday that he is under no time pressure to wrap up the conflict with Iran, while flatly rejecting any possibility of using nuclear weapons. The comments come as tensions in the Strait of Hormuz remain high despite a recent ceasefire.
Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump dismissed calls for a specific timeline, saying simply, “Don’t rush me.” He noted that the current ceasefire is a positive sign because Iran wants peace. “We stopped a little earlier because they wanted to have peace,” he said.
Trump described the situation inside Iran as “chaos,” saying Tehran’s leadership appears confused about who is actually in charge. “They want a deal. We’ve talked to them, but they don’t even know who’s leading the country. They’re in chaos,” he added. “So we’re going to give them a little time to sort some of that out.”
The president emphasized that time is on America’s side, especially with the U.S. naval blockade severely restricting Iran’s oil exports. “I probably have less pressure on me than anybody who’s ever been in this position. I have all the time in the world, but Iran doesn’t. Time is running out for them,” Trump posted on Truth Social.
No Nuclear Strike on the Table When directly asked about the possibility of a nuclear strike on Iran, Trump responded with a simple and emphatic “No.” He insisted the U.S. has already achieved strong military superiority without needing extreme measures. This comes after earlier remarks that sparked speculation about escalation, though a ceasefire was reached before any such action.
Trump has repeatedly ordered the Navy to destroy any Iranian vessels caught laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz and has deployed a third aircraft carrier group to the region to maintain pressure.
The president continues to argue that any final deal must be on America’s terms, protect U.S. allies, and ensure long-term stability in the region. While he has expressed frustration over Iran’s lack of a unified negotiating position, he made clear that Washington is in no rush — and holds the stronger hand as time passes.