U.S. President Donald Trump stated on November 4, 2026, that the United States has no immediate plan to launch an attack on Iran, though he noted the military remains prepared to take action if necessary. Speaking in an interview with a British newspaper, Trump clarified that while the U.S. is not currently planning an offensive, the military is ready for any situation.
U.S. Negotiates with Iran While Applying Economic Pressure
The U.S. administration is currently engaging in indirect negotiations with Iran regarding its enriched uranium stockpiles, according to Express. Trump indicated that the current situation regarding Iran is favorable to the United States, stating that Washington is receiving much of what it wants.
Trump also highlighted the impact of the U.S. naval blockade on the Iranian economy, claiming it has severely affected Tehran. He noted that more oil is now passing through the Strait of Hormuz compared to the period before the conflict, as reported by Express. Additionally, Trump observed that the pressure from U.S. sanctions on Iranian ports is increasing the strain on the country’s economy, according to Andhrajyothy.
U.S. Military Remains Prepared for Potential Action
Despite the lack of an immediate strike plan, Trump emphasized that the U.S. military is ready to act if required. Responding to comments from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu regarding a potential strike on Iran this week, Trump told Andhrajyothy that the U.S. military is prepared, though a strike might not be necessary.
The U.S. military has previously conducted airstrikes on Kishm Island in the Strait of Hormuz, an action Washington stated was intended to protect U.S. military assets, according to Andhrajyothy. Earlier reports from Eenadu suggested that Pentagon sources believed forces were prepared for a major strike on Iran within 96 hours, with troops already deployed in West Asia, though Trump’s recent statements address the current intent of the administration.
Trump reiterated that the primary objective remains preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons.
Trump Clarifies Stance on Nuclear Weapons
Trump clarified his position on nuclear weapons, stating he has no intention of using them against Iran. He explained that the Mother of All Bombs
is not a nuclear weapon but rather an extremely powerful conventional bomb, according to Etvbharat.
Potential use of the GBU-43/B
While Trump ruled out nuclear weapons, discussions have surfaced regarding the use of the GBU-43/B, also known as the Massive Ordnance Air Blast (MOAB). According to Etvbharat, international media reported that the U.S. military is considering plans that include the use of this heavy bomb to target energy infrastructure and nuclear centers.
The MOAB is the largest non-nuclear bomb in the U.S. arsenal, weighing approximately 21,600 pounds, according to Etvbharat. However, questions remain regarding its ability to destroy nuclear facilities built deep underground, such as those located under granite layers in Picax Mountain, as noted by Etvbharat.