What happened
Trump commented on Iran's nuclear progress, stating the country was roughly two weeks away from acquiring a nuclear weapon at the time.
He argued that if Iran had obtained nuclear arms, Israel would have been destroyed and the Middle East would have faced devastation.
Trump also claimed that Iran would have launched attacks on cities within the United States, attributing such intentions to what he described as erratic behavior.
Why it matters
The remarks highlight heightened concerns over Iran's nuclear capabilities and the perceived stakes of its potential weapons program.
They also underscore the Trump view of Iran as a serious threat to regional and U.S. security, shaping public debate on Middle East policy.
The assertion of a two-week timeline, if taken literally, suggests an urgent nuclear threshold that could influence diplomatic and military posturing.
Key facts
Trump said Iran was two weeks away from having nuclear weapons.
He warned that nuclear-armed Iran would mean Israel's destruction and ruin for the Middle East.
Trump claimed Iran would also strike U.S. mainland cities because of what he called their crazy behavior.
What to watch next
Whether any current assessments emerge to corroborate or challenge the claimed two-week timeline.
How officials and analysts respond to the alleged threat of attacks on U.S. cities in future policy discussions.