14 hours ago
Last Updated:June 18, 2025, 08:29 IST
Trump's remarks came after US intelligence assessments said Iran was three years away from producing a nuclear weapon, contradicting Israel's claim.
Israel-Iran Conflict: US President Donald Trump (Getty)
US President Donald Trump dismissed the assessment of American intelligence agencies that contradicted Israel’s claim that Iran was close to producing a nuclear weapon, which necessitated their pre-emptive strikes on Tehran’s military and nuclear assets.
Israel said it struck Iran as the latter was very close to building a nuclear weapon, almost to the “point of no return". However, US intelligence reports said that not only was Iran not actively pursuing a nuclear weapon, it was also up to three years away from being able to produce and deliver one to a target of its choosing.
Trump’s Director of Intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, testified in March that the US intelligence community “continues to assess Iran is not building a nuclear weapon" and neither had Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, reauthorised the dormant nuclear programme. However, Trump dismissed her view.
“I don’t care what she said," Trump told reporters, insisting that Iran was “very close" to having a nuclear bomb. This came as Trump met with national security officials, including Gabbard, in the Situation Room on Tuesday as he plans next steps on the West Asia situation.
Gabbard blamed the media for misconstruing her earlier testimony, asserting that “President Trump was saying the same thing that I said." Trump administration officials also said that enriching uranium can put Iran on track to having a nuclear weapon.
ALSO READ: ‘Battle Has Begun’: Khamenei After Trump’s Threats Of Possible US Attack Amid Conflict
Trump Mulling Military Action Against Iran
Two US officials told CNN that Trump is warming to the idea of using US military assets to strike Iranian nuclear facilities. A senior Israeli official said Israel is waiting to learn whether Trump will help finish the job of destroying Iran’s nuclear programme.
On Monday, Trump went from suggesting a nuclear deal with Iran remained “achievable" to urging Tehran’s 9.5 million residents to flee for their lives as he cut his visit to the international G7 summit short to return to Washington for urgent talks with his national security team.
The US expressed frustration with Iranian leaders for failing to reach an agreement, adding that he wants “a real end" to the conflict and a “complete give-up" of Tehran’s nuclear programme.
Trump also appeared to call for Iran’s “UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER!" as his remarks added to speculation over whether the US might join Israel’s strikes on Tehran’s leadership and nuclear sites.
(with agency inputs)
Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master's in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in international...Read More
Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master's in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in international...
Read More
Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)
First Published:News world 'I Don't Care': Trump After US Intelligence Contradicts Israel's Claim On Iran's Nuclear Weapons
