US President Trump says Iranian strikes averted potential nuclear conflict

March 17, 2026 • Al Jazeera

US President Trump says Iranian strikes averted potential nuclear conflict

US President Donald Trump has made a statement regarding military strikes carried out against Iran, claiming they were intended to prevent a potential nuclear conflict that could have escalated into World War III.

According to Trump, the strikes were ordered in an effort to mitigate the risk of a global catastrophe. He stated that his decision was based on intelligence assessments that suggested Iran would not retaliate with attacks on Gulf states.

Trump’s comments come as part of an ongoing narrative surrounding US involvement in military operations against Iran. The US and Israel have been engaged in a series of strikes targeting Iranian facilities, sparking concerns about the potential for escalation.

The details of Trump’s statement were not provided, but it is reported that he made these claims during a recent address. The exact nature and extent of the intelligence assessments that informed Trump’s decision are unclear.

It has been previously reported that US officials had assessed Iran’s capabilities and intentions in relation to its nuclear program. However, the specifics of these assessments remain classified.

The strikes carried out against Iran have raised questions about the potential for retaliation and the broader implications for regional stability. The situation remains fluid, with ongoing developments and uncertainties surrounding the situation.

Source: Al Jazeera