Trump: US attack on Iran prevented ‘a nuclear war that would have evolved into World War III’

US President Donald Trump defended recent US military action against Iran on Monday (16 March), describing it as essential to preventing a nuclear catastrophe.

Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office after signing an executive order on a federal fraud task force, Trump said: “Had we not done this, you would have had a nuclear war that would have evolved into World War III.”

Asked if the war will be wrapped up this week, Trump said, “I don’t think so. But it’ll be soon. Won’t be long. And we’re going to have a much safer world when it’s wrapped up.” He added that the operation was a necessary obligation for global safety, acknowledging domestic economic costs but framing them as minor compared with the risk of nuclear escalation.

ℹ️ The White House

Follow on social media TikTok@tut0ughInstagram@tut0ugh Threads@tut0ugh X@tut0ugh YouTube@tut0ugh

Click to subscribe to the Weekly Brief by tut0ugh
U.S. President Donald Trump reacts as he takes questions from reporters during an event to sign an executive order creating an anti‑fraud task force headed by U.S. Vice President JD Vance in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., March 16, 2026. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst
Ethiopia–Eritrea tensions: Getachew Reda rejects claims of imminent conflict
Trump: US attack on Iran prevented ‘a nuclear war that would have evolved into World War III’
Posted in