Trump dismisses nuclear option against Iran, says "they’re totally defeated"

US President Donald Trump has ruled out using nuclear weapons against Iran, saying there was no reason for such a move because Tehran had already been defeated militarily.

Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump was asked whether the US would use nuclear weapons against Iran.

“Well, I would never say that, but the answer is yes. I ruled out, I rule out no use. There's no reason for it. And has what a stupid question that is actually. Here they are. They're totally defeated militarily.

“So now I defeat them and now I should use a nuclear weapon on top of them,” Trump said.

Trump’s remarks came after US forces struck Iranian territory for the first time since late July, targeting Larak Island in the Strait of Hormuz.

According to US media reports, the strikes targeted launchers on the island.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) subsequently said it had attacked US bases in the United Arab Emirates and Jordan.

By Aghakazim Guliyev