US President Donald Trump has indicated that the United States is not currently preparing to deploy ground troops into Iran to secure nuclear materials, despite growing tensions in the Middle East and uncertainty surrounding the country’s nuclear program.
Speaking in an interview with the New York Post, Trump dismissed reports suggesting that the United States might launch a ground operation at a major Iranian nuclear facility.
The comments come during a period of political upheaval in Iran following the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in US-Israeli Airstrikes. Shortly after his death, Iran appointed his son, Mojtaba Khamenei, as the country’s new supreme leader.
Trump signaled his dissatisfaction with the leadership transition but declined to reveal how the United States might respond.
Trump Downplays Possibility of US Ground Troops
Speculation had grown in recent days that the United States might consider sending troops to secure nuclear material stored at an underground facility near the Iranian city of Isfahan.
According to media reports, the facility is believed to hold uranium enriched to approximately 60 percent purity — a level considered very close to weapons-grade material.
However, Trump pushed back against suggestions that a military deployment was imminent.
“We haven’t decided anything about that. We’re not even close,” Trump said during the interview.
The president reportedly spoke to reporters by phone while at his golf club in Doral, Florida, where he downplayed the likelihood of a near-term military expedition into Iranian territory.
Despite his remarks, Trump has previously avoided ruling out military action entirely if the situation escalates further.
“As every president declares, ‘There will be no boots on the ground,’ I don’t have the yips. I don’t say it,” Trump said earlier, suggesting he prefers to keep all options open.
Trump Criticizes Iran’s New Supreme Leader
Trump also commented on the controversial appointment of Mojtaba Khamenei as Iran’s new supreme leader.
The 56-year-old cleric had long been viewed as an influential figure behind the scenes in Iran’s political system and is believed to have strong ties with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
When asked how the United States plans to deal with the new leadership in Tehran, Trump refused to disclose his strategy.
“Not going to tell you. Not going to tell you. I’m not happy with him,” Trump said.
Even before Mojtaba Khamenei’s appointment was confirmed, Trump had publicly expressed opposition to the idea of another member of the Khamenei family taking control of Iran.
He also warned that any successor chosen without Washington’s approval “is not going to last long,” signaling a potentially confrontational approach toward Iran’s new leadership.
| Key Developments in the Iran Crisis | Details |
|---|---|
| Death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei | Killed in US-Israeli airstrikes during the early phase of the conflict |
| New Supreme Leader | Mojtaba Khamenei appointed to succeed his father |
| US Military Position | Trump says US is not close to sending ground troops to Iran |
| Nuclear Facility Concern | Site near Isfahan believed to contain uranium enriched to 60% |
| US Strategy | Trump keeps military options open but gives no specific plan |
Iran Signals Defiance After Leadership Change
Iranian officials responded to the leadership transition with strong statements, emphasizing that the country will continue its resistance against the United States and Israel.
Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi pledged that the government would remain fully committed to defending Iran’s national 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 also issued a strong message of loyalty to the new leader, stating that military forces would continue fighting under his command.
“We will obey the commander-in-chief until the last drop of our blood,” the council declared.
Uncertain Path Ahead for the Region
The leadership transition in Tehran, combined with escalating military tensions between Iran, the United States, and Israel, has created significant uncertainty across the Middle East.
While Trump has ruled out an immediate ground deployment, analysts say the situation remains volatile, particularly as concerns grow about Iran’s nuclear capabilities and the possibility of further regional escalation.
For now, Washington appears to be maintaining pressure on Iran while keeping military options available should the conflict intensify.
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