'US intelligence is wrong:' Trump rejects intel reports that Iran is not building nukes

US President Donald Trump on Friday pushed back against the statement by National Intelligence Director Tulsi Gabbard, who told the media that Iran is not working on a nuclear weapons program.

When asked by a reporter about his Director of National Intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, stating that Iran was still far from developing a nuclear weapon, President Trump rejected her assessment, declaring that the intelligence community was mistaken.

“Your intelligence community says they have no evidence that Iran is building a nuke,” the reporter asked.

In response, Trump said, “Then my intelligence community is wrong. Who said that?

“Your director of national intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard” the reporter replied.

“She's wrong,” Trump said.

After landing in New Jersey aboard Air Force One, the US President told reporters that it is currently difficult to urge Israel to halt its strikes on Iran, especially as the conflict dynamics appear to favor one side over the other.

He added that while the situation remains complex, the United States is in communication with Iran and remains open to dialogue.

Commenting on the state of the conflict, he remarked that Israel is in a stronger position, whereas Iran appears to be struggling. In such circumstances, convincing a party to stand down becomes more challenging.

“I think it’s very hard to make that request right now. If somebody is winning, it’s a little bit harder to do that [than] if somebody’s losing. But we’re ready, willing and able, and we’ve been speaking to Iran,” Trump said.

“Israel is doing well, in terms of war, and… Iran is doing less well. It’s a little bit hard to get somebody to stop,” he added.

The President also expressed skepticism about Europe's role in de-escalating tensions between Iran and Israel, suggesting that European countries may not have significant influence in the event of a full-scale war. 

When asked whether mediating a peace deal between Iran and Israel, including mutual acceptance of nuclear inspections, could position him for a Nobel Peace Prize, the President pointed to his previous efforts in resolving conflicts in Rwanda, Congo, Serbia, Kosovo, and in brokering a ceasefire between Pakistan and India, efforts he believes already merit recognition.

In response to a question about whether he supports Iran’s right to use nuclear energy for civilian purposes, such as electricity generation, the President questioned the rationale. Given Iran’s vast oil reserves, he argued that their energy needs could be met without resorting to nuclear technology, unlike other nations that may not have such natural resources.