Mar 17 • 08:49 UTC 🇰🇷 Korea Hankyoreh (KR)

'Cornered Israel may use nuclear weapons'... Trump's advisor's statements create a stir

A statement suggesting that Israel might consider using tactical nuclear weapons in a prolonged conflict with Iran has triggered significant discussions within the White House, while Donald Trump denies such possibilities.

In a controversial podcast, David Sachs, the AI and cryptocurrency policy advisor at the White House, suggested that if the war with Iran drags on, Israel could face severe consequences leading it to potentially consider the use of nuclear weapons. This claim has raised alarms and prompted former President Donald Trump to publicly deny the possibility, asserting that Israel would never resort to such measures. Trump’s denial also implies an acknowledgment of Israel's nuclear capabilities, raising the stakes in the ongoing conflict with Iran.

Sachs emphasized the gravity of the situation, noting that with the war still in its early stages, the damage to Israel could escalate dramatically if the conflict continues for weeks or months. His comments mark a rare admission within the Trump administration that the situation is deteriorating and that an exit strategy must be considered. However, the focus has shifted towards the implications of Israel potentially using nuclear weapons, with Trump trying to quell fears surrounding this notion.

Additionally, Sachs warned that if the U.S. and Israel engage Iranian oil and gas infrastructure, Iran might retaliate against Gulf states, which are already vulnerable. He expressed concern that the devastation could render the region unlivable, complicating any recovery efforts even if strategic routes like the Strait of Hormuz were reopened. This discussion underscores the dire warnings about a possible lack of U.S. intercept and precision strike capabilities against Iran, which could exacerbate the conflict even further.

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