The White House on Tuesday denied reports that it is considering the use of nuclear weapons against Iran, amid escalating tensions in the region.ย The clarification came just hours after US President Donald Trump issued a stark warning, claiming that “a whole civilisation will die” if Iran fails to reopen the strategically crucial Strait of Hormuz by the deadline set for Tuesday.
‘We still have tools we haven’t used yet’: JD Vance
The clarification also came after comments by Vice President JD Vance, who had said that US forces possess tools they “so far haven’t decided to use” to enforce an ultimatum issued by President Donald Trump.
Responding to speculation, the White House said in a post on X that “nothing” in Vance’s remarks implied the possibility of a nuclear strike. The response was directed at a post from an account linked to former Vice President Kamala Harris, which had claimed that Vance’s statement suggested Trump might use nuclear weapons.”
‘Whole civilisation will die tonight’: Trump
US President warned that a “whole civilisation will die tonight” but said Iran still has time to capitulate ahead of a deadline set for 8 pm in Washington. His latest remarks heightened tension over the already volatile situation as both sides remain locked in a conflict for over a month now.
In a strongly worded post on Truth Social, Trump declared, “A whole civilisation will die tonight, never to be brought back again. I donโt want that to happen, but it probably will.” He described the coming hours as “one of the most important moments in the long and complex history of the World,” suggesting that the consequences of inaction could be historic. “We will find out tonight, one of the most important moments in the long and complex history of the World. 47 years of extortion, corruption, and death, will finally end. God Bless the Great People of Iran!” Trump added.ย
Trump has repeatedly threatened large-scale strikes targeting Iran’s infrastructure, including power plants and bridges, raising fears of a wider regional conflict even as the US administration sought to rule out nuclear escalation.
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