WASHINGTON (BN24) — President Donald Trump said he would be prepared to order additional military strikes against Iran if necessary, as questions swirl about the extent of damage caused by recent U.S. and Israeli attacks on the country’s nuclear facilities.
Trump insisted the sites targeted last weekend were “obliterated,” dismissing any suggestion that the impact had been overstated. Still, he said he would support the International Atomic Energy Agency or another credible body inspecting the facilities to verify the damage.
“I’d like inspectors to be able to look, whether it’s the IAEA or some other respected source,” Trump told reporters. “I don’t believe Iran wants to keep trying for a nuclear weapon after what we did.”
His comments came as the head of the U.N.’s nuclear watchdog, Rafael Grossi, declared that restoring inspections in Iran remained his top priority. No IAEA visits have taken place since Israel launched strikes on June 13.
Iran’s Parliament moved on June 25 to suspend such inspections, escalating the standoff. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi signaled on June 27 that Tehran may refuse any IAEA request to enter its nuclear sites.
While Trump said he believes Iran is still interested in talks about what comes next, the White House confirmed on June 26 that no meeting between U.S. and Iranian representatives has been scheduled.
