US President Donald Trump has falsely accused the governments of Spain and Italy of believing it is acceptable for Iran to have a nuclear weapon. The remarks respond to both countries' criticisms of US and Israeli bombings in Iran. Trump threatened to withdraw troops from Germany and questioned doing the same with Spain and Italy.
US President Donald Trump again attacked the Spanish and Italian governments during a press briefing in the Oval Office on Friday. Responding to a question about withdrawing soldiers from Germany due to Chancellor Friedrich Merz's criticisms of bombings in Iran, Trump said: “Why not? Italy has not helped at all, and Spain has been horrible, absolutely horrible”.
Trump falsely accused both countries: “They think it's fine for Iran to have a nuclear weapon”. He added: “Anyone who thinks it's okay for Iran to have a nuclear weapon is not very smart, and it would be terrible in the future if they were allowed to have a nuclear weapon without that being a problem”.
The president recalled his conversation with Merz: “I said: 'Would you like Iran to have a nuclear weapon?'. He replied: 'No, I know'. I said: 'Well, then I suppose I'm right'”. Trump defended US military actions, stating that “our military has destroyed them” and that Iran was under control from day one.
Trump contrasted US aid to Ukraine with Europe's lack of support in Iran, noting that Germany faces immigration, energy, and Ukraine problems. He announced on Wednesday that he is considering withdrawing troops from Germany.