Amid escalating tensions in the Middle East and speculation about possible American military escalation, US President Donald Trump said the United States is not close to deploying ground troops into Iran to secure nuclear material. In an interview with The New York Post, Trump dismissed reports suggesting Washington was preparing a land operation at a major Iranian nuclear facility, signalling that such a step was not imminent.
The statement comes at a time of political turmoil in Iran following the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in joint US-Israeli airstrikes and the swift elevation of his son, Mojtaba Khamenei, as the new leader. Trump has openly expressed dissatisfaction with Mojtaba’s appointment but declined to outline how Washington might respond.
“We haven’t made any decision on that. We’re nowhere near it,” Trump said, rejecting suggestions that a troop deployment was under active consideration.
Multiple media reports had indicated that the Trump administration was weighing options to secure nuclear material believed to be stored at a heavily fortified underground facility near Isfahan. Intelligence assessments suggest the site holds uranium enriched to roughly 60 percent purity, a level close to weapons-grade.
Speaking by phone from his golf club in Doral, Florida, Trump sought to downplay the urgency of those reports. At the same time, he stopped short of ruling out future military action if conditions worsened.
“I don’t have the yips with respect to boots on the ground — like every president says, ‘There will be no boots on the ground.’ I don’t say it,” he remarked, indicating he prefers to keep options open.
Trump also addressed Iran’s leadership transition, reiterating his disapproval of Mojtaba Khamenei’s rise to power. Mojtaba, long viewed as an influential behind-the-scenes figure with strong ties to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, assumed leadership after his father’s death.
When asked how the United States would deal with Tehran’s new leadership, Trump declined to provide details. “Not going to tell you. I’m not happy with him,” he said.
Even before the formal announcement, Trump had warned that installing another Khamenei at the helm was unacceptable and suggested that any successor lacking Washington’s approval would struggle to remain in power.
Tehran responded with firm statements of defiance. Iranian officials pledged to continue resisting US and Israeli actions and to press ahead with national security objectives. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the government would remain steadfast in defending the country and safeguarding its interests.
“We pledge that, in defense of the rights of the great Iranian nation, the advancement of national interests and security, and the realization of the lofty goals of the Islamic Revolution, we shall not falter for a moment,” Araghchi said following Mojtaba Khamenei’s appointment.
Iran’s defense council echoed the hardline stance, declaring it would follow the country’s commander-in-chief “until the last drop of our blood.”
