Trump says comment that Iran could 'take out' Los Angeles was misread

US President Donald Trump clarified on Thursday that his remarks suggesting Iran could potentially target cities like Los Angeles were misunderstood. The comments were made during a political rally in Nebraska, where Trump discussed the wartime economic sacrifices Americans have endured. He stated that the higher gas prices are a "small price to pay" for maintaining global security and protecting the country.

Trump elaborated that while Iran has the capability to damage a city, he emphasized that the economic impact would be minimal compared to the consequences of an Iranian nuclear attack. He urged Californians to accept the temporary rise in gasoline prices, expressing that it is a "small price to pay" for preventing a catastrophic nuclear scenario.

California's Democratic leaders and several Republican colleagues swiftly condemned Trump's statements. Trump later clarified his position in a post on social media platform Truth Social, emphasizing that his original comments were meant to highlight the relative insignificance of the gas price increase in comparison to the potential devastation of a nuclear strike on major cities like San Diego and Los Angeles. He expressed love for both cities and reiterated his stance against nuclear proliferation.