Trump Says US Won’t Use Nuclear Weapons in Iran, Claims Control of Hormuz Amid Escalating Tensions

President Donald Trump announced on April 24, 2026, that he has extended the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon by three weeks, stating that he will not use nuclear weapons in the ongoing conflict with Iran. He emphasized that the United States maintains full control over the Strait of Hormuz, asserting that opening the waterway would allow Iran to generate approximately $500 million per day in revenue. Trump made these remarks during a press briefing, framing the extended truce as part of broader diplomatic efforts to avoid further escalation in the region.

The extension of the Israel-Lebanon ceasefire comes amid heightened tensions following U.S. Military actions against Iran’s infrastructure, including strikes on energy facilities that Trump claimed had “obliterated” Iran’s nuclear weapons program. Despite these actions, Trump reiterated that preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon remains his top priority, saying, “They’re not going to have a nuclear weapon, that’s number one,” and adding that this point is repeated as his second and third priorities as well. He claimed that Iranian officials have privately agreed to this condition during ongoing negotiations.

Regarding the Strait of Hormuz, Trump said the U.S. Would blockade Iranian ports and maintain control over the strategic waterway to limit Iran’s economic capabilities. He argued that keeping the strait closed prevents Iran from accessing significant daily oil revenues, which he estimated at half a billion dollars. This position aligns with earlier statements in which he described himself as responsible for the strait’s closure, framing it as a measure to weaken Iran’s ability to fund its military and nuclear ambitions.

Trump also addressed concerns about potential nuclear escalation, directly denying any intention to use atomic weapons in Iran. His comments came after White House officials were pressed on whether the administration was considering nuclear options amid rising rhetoric. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt later stated that only the president knows where things stand regarding potential nuclear use, while other officials sought to clarify that no such plans were under active consideration.

The president framed his approach as one of strength and control, suggesting that military pressure and economic restrictions are sufficient to achieve U.S. Objectives without resorting to nuclear weapons. He expressed confidence that diplomatic talks could yield a lasting agreement, saying he wants “an agreement that lasts” and that he is “not in a hurry,” even as military operations continue.

These developments occur against a backdrop of conflicting signals from Iranian officials, who have denied that any direct negotiations with the United States are taking place. Iranian state media dismissed reports of talks as “fake news” intended to influence financial and oil markets, asserting that no formal discussions have occurred. Despite this, Trump maintained that progress is being made and that Iran has conceded on the central issue of nuclear weapons development.

As of April 24, 2026, the situation remains fluid, with the extended ceasefire providing a temporary window for diplomatic engagement while U.S. Military posture in the region remains assertive. The administration continues to emphasize deterrence through conventional means and economic pressure, particularly regarding control of maritime chokepoints like the Strait of Hormuz, which Trump presents as a key lever in limiting Iran’s regional influence.