TRUMP DISMISSES GOING NUCLEAR ON IRAN , POSSIBLE GROUND INVASION

What happened: Trump said he would not use nuclear weapons against Iran and saw no ground troop deployment, while the US military develops new strike options against Iranian energy and nuclear sites. Key numbers: MOAB weighs about 21,600 pounds; Trump authorised its first combat use in Afghanistan in 2017; possible strikes could come before or after the November midterm elections. Why it matters: Officials question whether the MOAB, a non-penetrating blast weapon, could destroy deeply buried sites like Pickaxe Mountain, which is believed to be shielded by granite.

Trump dismissing nuclear action on Iran signals reduced geopolitical escalation risk.

Trump dismissing nuclear action on Iran signals reduced geopolitical escalation risk. — impact context not separately stored; see What changed.