Trump frames Iran nuclear issue as higher priority than economic crisis risk

US President Donald Trump stated that preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons is more important than concerns over the potential economic fallout of prolonged military action, including the risk of a global depression.

Asked whether he is willing to risk a global depression by striking Iran if it fails to uphold its agreement, Trump responded to reporters: “Well, not the way I’m doing it. It’s not going to cause depression.”

He went on to argue that the threat of a nuclear weapon is a greater concern. “If they don’t abide by — well, a nuclear weapon supersedes depression.”

“Depression is real bad,” he said, adding that a “nuclear weapon will cause depression much more quickly.”

Trump reaffirmed that military action remains an option if Iran fails to comply with the agreement.

“If Iran doesn’t live up to their agreement, or if they’re not behaving, I will do what I have to do,” the American leader warned.

Trump also said that a US blockade of Iranian ports had proven more effective than bombing, and that Washington could quickly return to such measures if necessary.

Following his remarks, Trump turned to Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth and asked whether the blockade could indeed be reinstated rapidly. Hegseth replied: “They're ready to go right now if you need to.”

By Jeyhun Aghazada