Trump Claims US 'Wiped Out Everything' in Iran — But Reportedly Told Musk and Carlson He Wouldn't Strike

Hindustan Times—President Trump publicly boasted that the US 'wiped out everything' in Iran during the strikes that preceded the peace deal, while Witkoff traveled to talks in Europe to negotiate a formal agreement. A new book — cited by both the Guardian and the Times of Israel — claims Trump told Elon Musk and Tucker Carlson in early 2025 that he had no intention of going to war with Iran, a private assurance that contrasts sharply with the military action that followed. The Hindustan Times reported Trump also issued a 60-day compliance ultimatum to Iran alongside the boasts about the strikes' effectiveness. The gap between Trump's private assurances to allies and his public war-hawk posture has fueled debate about which version of his Iran policy reflects his actual intentions. Analysts say the discrepancy gives Tehran room to argue they were misled and could complicate final-status negotiations.

• Hindustan Times — Trump told reporters the US 'wiped out everything' in Iran and issued a 60-day deadline for a final deal
• Guardian — US — The Guardian: Trump gave Musk and Carlson the same no-war assurance — months before ordering strikes
• Times of Israel — A new book reports Trump privately assured Carlson in early 2025 he would not go to war with Iran