By Elad Benari AUGUST 31, 2026

US President Donald Trump said on Sunday that Iran cannot be allowed to obtain a nuclear weapon, arguing that preventing Tehran from acquiring one justifies the US campaign against the Islamic Republic.

In an interview with Trey Gowdy on Fox News, Trump described Iran as the world’s leading state sponsor of terrorism and said its nuclear ambitions pose an unacceptable threat.

“Iran is a number one leading state sponsor of terror, you’ve heard that many times, in the whole world. They cannot have a nuclear weapon,” Trump said.

The President said he has repeatedly been challenged over whether military action against Iran was necessary, but argued that the answer becomes clear when the possibility of Tehran possessing a nuclear weapon is considered.

“I have numerous people say, ‘Well, did you have to do it?’ And then I say, ‘Do you think it’s okay for Iran to have a nuclear weapon?’ Nuclear weapon is massive destruction. You know, take what you see and multiply it times 100. And everybody says no.”

Trump said the US campaign against Iran has been highly effective, pointing in particular to the naval blockade and economic measures imposed on Tehran.

“The blockade has been unbelievable. The financial hits that we’re giving them, we’re hitting them very hard. Never, nobody’s ever been hit like this,” he said.

Trump characterized Iran as “a failing nation” and said he was prepared to allow events to determine how the conflict ends rather than insisting on a formal agreement.

“And at the right point, we’ll either win or they’ll do something. But I don’t mind winning, just winning. I don’t need a signature on a piece of paper,” Trump said.

The President also claimed that Iran’s military capabilities had been severely degraded.

“But we’re doing very well. Their Navy’s gone. Their Air Force is gone. Their leaders are gone. All of their anti-aircraft, I mean, it’s all wiped out.”

Trump acknowledged that Iranians are “tough people” and “smart people,” but sharply criticized the country’s leadership. “But they’re very evil,” he said.