The United States could potentially use nuclear weapons against Iran after struggling to overthrow the nation’s leadership through conventional military means, according to comments reported by Russia Today on Monday, August 31, 2026. Former presidential counterterrorism adviser Joe Kent warned podcaster Tucker Carlson that Washington might face severe military limitations when trying to force a total surrender from Tehran.
Nuclear Options Considered After Conventional Campaign Struggles
According to comments made by former presidential counterterrorism adviser Joe Kent during an interview with podcaster Tucker Carlson and cited by Russia Today, the U.S. military may eventually turn to weapons of mass destruction as current operations face heavy resistance from Iranian defenses. Kent stated that President Donald Trump has failed to achieve his primary objectives in the ongoing conflict despite deploying significant economic and military power. He noted that if Washington insists on complete regime change, the remaining choices narrow down quickly to a full-scale ground invasion or a targeted nuclear strike. Kent argued that a ground operation is completely impractical given the vast geographical size and population of Iran, leaving mass-destruction capabilities as a stark alternative.
Back in April, President Donald Trump threatened that the entire Iranian civilization would face destruction unless the government bowed to U.S. demands, explicitly mentioning infrastructure targets like power plants and bridges. Building on those previous threats, Kent suggested that Washington could theoretically deploy a limited nuclear option specifically aimed at destroying underground uranium enrichment facilities hidden beneath Iran’s mountainous terrain. These warnings follow a sudden suspension of fresh U.S. airstrikes late last month, which coincided with widespread media reports alleging that the Pentagon was running low on high-precision munitions and interceptor missiles. Although Trump and other senior administration officials strongly denied those supply shortage claims, the White House quickly pivoted its strategy.
Economic Pressure and New Sanctions Imposed on Tehran
Following the military adjustments, President Trump announced the launch of an aggressive economic operation against Iran, branding the initiative “Hari-H Ekonomi.” Just days after that announcement, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent unveiled a sweeping package of fresh sanctions targeting nearly 60 entities, individuals, and vessels across multiple global jurisdictions, including 21 based in China. According to Treasury Secretary Bessent, the new punitive measures aim to isolate Iran economically by penalizing any international partners that refuse to sever commercial ties with Tehran. Bessent emphasized that any entity caught facilitating money laundering operations on behalf of Iran will face immediate expulsion from the U.S. dollar financial system.
Did you know? The recent Treasury Department sanctions target nearly 60 entities and individuals spread across various international jurisdictions, with 21 of those targets operating out of China.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are analysts discussing potential nuclear options against Iran?
Former presidential counterterrorism adviser Joe Kent warned that if conventional military campaigns and economic pressures fail to achieve regime change, the U.S. might evaluate extreme measures due to the logistical difficulties of launching a full-scale ground invasion against Iran’s large population and territory.
What economic steps has the U.S. taken recently against Iran?
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent launched a series of sanctions targeting roughly 60 entities, individuals, and ships—including 21 based in China—to cut Tehran off from the global financial system.
What did reports indicate about U.S. military supplies?
Media reports indicated that the Pentagon was running low on high-precision munitions and interceptor missiles, prompting a temporary suspension of airstrikes, though senior U.S. officials firmly denied those claims.
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