President Donald Trump said Monday that the United States is “nowhere near” sending ground troops into Iran to secure enriched uranium reportedly stored at the country’s Isfahan nuclear complex.
In a phone interview with the New York Post, Trump said no decision has been made about deploying American forces on the ground.
“We haven’t made any decision on that. We’re nowhere near it,” Trump told the outlet.
Trump’s comments come after reporters aboard Air Force One asked him Saturday about the possibility of deploying ground troops as part of a potential operation involving Iran.
At the time, Trump indicated such a move would require strong justification.
“There would have to be a very good reason,” he said.
“And I would say if we ever did that, [Iran] would be so decimated they wouldn’t be able to fight at the ground level,” Trump added on Saturday.
The president also addressed Iran’s leadership transition following the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. His son, Mojtaba Khamenei, has reportedly succeeded him as Iran’s new supreme leader.
Trump said he was displeased with the development, telling the New York Post he is “not happy” that the younger Khamenei has taken power.
Asked what actions he might take in response to Iran’s new leadership, Trump declined to elaborate.
“Not going to tell you. Not going to tell you. I’m not happy with him,” Trump said.
In a separate interview with ABC News on Sunday, Trump suggested Iran’s new leader would struggle to remain in power without U.S. backing.
“Whoever becomes Iran’s new leader is not going to last long without approval from us,” Trump said.
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