Trump’s speech sparks alarm over possible attacks on Los Angeles and San Diego
Former President Donald Trump suggested Iran could target Los Angeles or San Diego, prompting criticism from California leaders and raising concerns about.
Trump’s controversial remarks
Donald Trump spoke at the Nebraska State Fairgrounds on 7 Oct 2026 and said that Iran could launch a nuclear attack and “take out” Los Angeles or San Diego. The comments were made in a context that also included criticism of political opponents and references to the ongoing war.
Reactions from California leaders
California Governor Gavin Newsom called the former president deranged and dangerous. Mayors of Los Angeles and San Diego, Karen Bass and Todd Gloria, objected strongly to the suggestion that their cities could be targeted, even if only in Trump’s imagination.
Assessment of the claim
The speech contained statements that Iran does not possess a nuclear weapon and that its missiles cannot reach the United States. The claim that Iran could strike Los Angeles or San Diego contradicts the established deterrence doctrine that any nuclear attack on the U.S. would provoke an overwhelming counter-attack. The remarks are therefore unsupported by Iran’s current capabilities and are inconsistent with U.S. strategic doctrine.
Source & attribution
This report is based on www.theguardian.com's original reporting published 7 Oct 2026. Claims attributed to officials or parties to a conflict have not been independently verified by TotalWar.live.
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