Trump Says Los Angeles and San Diego Could Be Destroyed in US War Against Iran
Quick Look
US President Donald Trump stated at a Nebraska rally that Los Angeles and San Diego could be destroyed in the context of the US war against Iran, calling such losses a small price to pay for global and national safety, while asserting the war would soon end one way or another.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
The US and Israel launched a war against Iran on February 28. A ceasefire was agreed in June but collapsed when the US resumed strikes on July 8, accusing Iran of violating Strait of Hormuz agreements. The US has since shifted toward economic pressure via sanctions.
WASHINGTON, October 6. /TASS/. US President Donald Trump said Los Angeles and San Diego, both in California, could be destroyed in connection with the US war against Iran.
"I want to see a tremendous victory. I want to see a tremendous victory because it verifies all the things we did. And again, remember, with the war, it’s just artificial. [Prices for goods are] a little bit high. It’s a small price to pay for keeping the world safe, keeping our country safe," Trump said at a rally in Nebraska. "They can take out a city, let them take out Los Angeles, let them take out San Diego. This is a very small price to pay, and it’s going to be over very soon. It’s essentially almost over, and they might keep going a little long." He added that the war would soon end one way or another. Trump did not explain his remarks.
The United States and Israel launched a war against Iran on February 28. In June, Washington and Tehran signed a memorandum of understanding providing for an immediate cessation of hostilities on all fronts, including in Lebanon. However, overnight into July 8, the United States resumed large-scale strikes on Iran, accusing Tehran of violating the agreements concerning the Strait of Hormuz. Roughly 25% of global oil trade and about 20% of global liquefied natural gas trade pass through the waterway. The US administration subsequently effectively signaled an end to the large-scale use of military force against Iran and a shift toward attempts to economically suffocate the country through sanctions.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
The US will continue to rely on economic sanctions rather than large-scale military force against Iran
Likely · Within months
Open Questions
- What specific actions did Trump refer to when he said cities 'could be destroyed'?
- Is there credible intelligence suggesting imminent threats to Los Angeles or San Diego?
- What evidence supports the claim that Iran violated the Strait of Hormuz agreements?
