Amid rising tensions in the Middle East and uncertainty about how far the United States will go in its confrontation with Iran, President Donald Trump has said he is unlikely to send U.S. troops to Iran to secure nuclear materials. speaking in an interview with new york postDonald Trump has reacted to reports that the United States could begin ground operations at Iran’s main nuclear facility.
There are clear signs that Iran is facing upheaval following the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in U.S. and Israeli airstrikes and the emergence of his son Mojtaba Khamenei as the new leader. The US president made it clear he was not happy with the choice, but refused to say what action the US would take in response.
"We haven’t made any decision on that. We can’t go anywhere near that,” Trump said. New York Post.
According to multiple media reports, the Trump administration is considering sending troops to Iran to secure nuclear materials stored in an underground base near Isfahan. This facility is estimated to store enriched uranium with a purity of approximately 60%, which is equivalent to weapons-grade uranium.
Speaking by phone from his golf club in Doral, Florida, Trump downplayed the idea of an imminent military mission. But he has previously refused to completely rule out the option if the situation escalates further.
“I’m not sure about boots on the ground. As every president has said, ‘There won’t be boots on the ground.’ I’m not saying,” he said earlier.
Trump attacks Iran’s new leader
He also spoke about appointing Mojtaba Khamenei as Iran’s new supreme leader, replacing his father, who was killed in the first US-Israeli airstrike. Mojtaba Khamenei, 56, has long been seen as a powerful figure behind the scenes with strong ties to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
Asked how the United States would deal with Iran’s new leadership, Trump declined to reveal his strategy but made it clear that he opposed the decision.
“I’m not going to tell you,” Trump said when asked about his plans. “I’m not going to tell you. I don’t like him.”
Before Mojtaba’s appointment was confirmed, Trump had already warned that the idea of another Khamenei leading Iran was unacceptable. He also threatened that any successor elected without Washington’s approval "will not last long.”
Iran’s hardline response
The leadership change in Tehran was accompanied by defiant statements from Iran, which pledged to continue waging war against the United States and Israel. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the government remained committed to defending the country and pursuing national interests.
After Mojtaba Khamenei was elected Supreme Leader, Prime Minister Aragchi said, "I pledge not to waver for a moment in protecting the rights of the great Iranian nation, advancing national interests and security, and realizing the noble goals of the Islamic Revolution.”
Iran’s National Defense Commission also declared, "We will obey the commander-in-chief until the last drop of blood.”
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