Iran Conflict: Trump Declares Rebuild Takes Decades
The president signaled the US is prepared to resume strikes after midterm results, though he expressed doubt about the immediate need for further action.
By Jonathan Ramirez ·
President Donald Trump stated on Thursday that Iran is largely destroyed and that the nation would require more than 20 years to rebuild. Speaking in the Oval Office after a meeting with national security advisers, he said he would prefer not to destroy the rest of the country if possible, but added that he might have to do so. He told reporters, "You'll know soon enough."
The comments came one day after US midterm elections. The New York Times reported in October that American and Israeli militaries had detailed plans for renewed strikes on Iran following the November 3 vote. Trump seemed to cast doubt on those plans on Monday, saying "No" when asked if he was considering striking Iran after the midterms. On Tuesday, he told the Financial Times that the United States has no immediate plan to renew strikes.
Those statements followed US strikes on Iran's Qeshm Island. A US official confirmed to The Jerusalem Post on Monday that the attacks occurred after the Iranian regime claimed to have downed an American drone. Regarding ongoing indirect negotiations with Tehran, Trump said on Tuesday, "We seem to be getting everything we want."
The president acknowledged on Wednesday night that the war in Iran hurt the Republican Party in the congressional midterms. He attributed the damage to a short-term rise in fuel prices caused by the conflict. Despite the political cost, he said he would make the decision to go to war again. "In the long run it's the only solution," he said. "Iran cannot be allowed to obtain a nuclear weapon."
Trump addressed reports that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth might be replaced following the election defeat. He said he is not considering that move, calling Hegseth's work "extraordinary." He also responded to Vice President JD Vance, who blamed the war for the Republican losses. Trump said Vance is largely right, but added that he would fight Iran again if required to prevent a nuclear weapon.
When asked if he chose the war, Trump replied, "Yes. I mean, well, there was no choice." He noted that he expected oil prices to rise much more than they did and made the decision based on that assumption. He warned that if Iran obtains a nuclear weapon, "everything you see here might one day no longer exist."
