Trump Ally Suggests Tactical Nukes for Iran's Nuclear Program Amid Rising Tensions

A prominent figure closely associated with US President Donald Trump has suggested that tactical nuclear weapons might be the only viable means to dismantle Tehran's nuclear program. These remarks follow reports that Iran's Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, has increased security measures due to perceived threats from the US.

On Thursday, President Trump announced his intention to decide on potential military action against Iran within two weeks, following discussions with top defense officials. Israeli officials are reportedly encouraging the United States to support their efforts to eliminate Iran's nuclear program, which Tel Aviv believes is nearing completion.

While the Israeli Defense Force has eliminated key individuals and destroyed several sites within Iran's nuclear program, it lacks the capability to penetrate the most critical facilities, which are located deep underground. To effectively destroy these sites, Israel relies on the use of American "bunker buster" bombs. However, one source has advocated for a more drastic measure, urging President Trump to consider using a tactical nuclear weapon.

Tactical nuclear weapons are designed for greater precision and impact a smaller area compared to strategic nuclear weapons, such as those used in World War Two. One official stated that a nuclear warhead is necessary to achieve the desired outcome, given the location of the targets. They emphasized that the use of a nuclear warhead would be essential to minimize casualties and successfully destroy the targeted facilities. The official added that only American bombers possess the capability to reach these targets.

When asked for comment, the Pentagon referred to statements made by Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, who confirmed the deployment of additional resources to the United States Central Command Area of Responsibility. The administration stated that all options remain under consideration, although it is unclear if the use of nuclear weapons was discussed during the White House meetings. Iran's Supreme Leader has warned of "irreparable consequences" in response to any US strike, while Russia has cautioned that the use of a nuclear weapon would be a catastrophic event.