WASHINGTON (VINnews) – President Donald Trump said Thursday that while the United States has dealt significant damage to Iran’s military and leadership, the conflict cannot end without firm guarantees that Tehran will never obtain a nuclear weapon, according to an interview with Newsmax.

Speaking to Greta Van Susteren, Trump said U.S. actions have left Iran severely weakened, but stressed that military gains alone are insufficient to secure a lasting outcome. He argued that preventing Iran from developing nuclear capabilities remains the central objective.

Trump said Iran’s ability to rebuild has been significantly degraded and described the country as facing mounting economic pressure. He also expressed confidence that Iran would use a nuclear weapon if it obtained one, underscoring his opposition to any arrangement that would allow Tehran access to nuclear material.

The president added that international reaction to U.S. actions has been largely supportive, while criticizing allies, including NATO, for not doing more.