TRUMP RULES OUT USE OF NUCLEAR WEAPONS AGAINST IRAN

What happened: US President Donald Trump ruled out using nuclear weapons against Iran, saying the US does not need them, and said the "mother of all bombs" is a conventional weapon. Why it matters: Trump raised possible further strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities, including a suspected underground site called Pickaxe Mountain, and said oil and gas prices would drop once the war ends. Iran's army chief said the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed until Iran's rights are respected. Coverage: 3 outlets in 24h

Trump ruling out nuclear weapons against Iran signals de-escalation in geopolitical tensions.

Trump ruling out nuclear weapons against Iran signals de-escalation in geopolitical tensions. — impact context not separately stored; see What changed.