Trump says he'd 'love not to' attack Iran, 'but sometimes you have to'

NoodlesOrTokens · 2026-02-27T18:16:18+00:00

President Trump expressed his reluctance to use military force against Iran but acknowledged it may be necessary if Iran does not comply with U.S. demands regarding its nuclear program. He indicated no final decision has been made on military action.

NoodlesOrTokens

2026-02-27 18:16:18

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U.S. President Donald Trump stops to speak to the media as he departs on Marine One on the South Lawn of the White House on Feb. 27, 2026 in Washington, DC.

Andrew Harnik | Getty Images

President Donald Trump on Friday said that “I’d love not to use” the U.S. military to attack Iran, “but sometimes you have to.”

But Trump also said, “We haven’t made a final decision” on whether to attack Iran.

Trump’s comment to reporters outside the White House came after he expressed frustration at Iran’s refusal to comply with American demands to curb its nuclear program.

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“We’re not thrilled with the way they’re negotiating,” Trump said.

“They cannot have nuclear weapons.”

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