{
  "id": 4768402,
  "title": "'N' word is back again as Trump runs out of options",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/31/n-word-is-back-again-as-trump-runs-out-of-options",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-31T15:48:58.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Economic Times",
    "slug": "the-economic-times",
    "url": "https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/the-dreaded-n-word-is-back-again-as-trump-runs-out-of-iran-options/articleshow/133657292.cms"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "After nearly a month of relative calm, the United States and Iran have returned to a cycle of aggression, reigniting concerns about the nuclear option. The latest flare-up started with a US strike on Iranian military targets in the Strait of Hormuz, followed by Iranian missile attacks on US-linked military bases in Jordan and the UAE. This confrontation has fueled fears that the conflict, which seemed to be moving toward economic and diplomatic solutions, may be reverting to direct combat.\n\nThe situation has once again revived discussions about whether the Trump administration could consider using nuclear weapons if conventional forces and economic sanctions prove ineffective. While there is no evidence that the current administration is actively pursuing such a course, several former Trump associates have reignited the debate, suggesting that limited nuclear strikes might be on the table if conventional options fail.\n\nJoe Kent, Trump's former counter-terrorism advisor, made headlines with comments on Tucker Carlson's show, stating that Washington has exhausted its conventional options and is now exploring extreme measures. He warned that a large-scale invasion or the use of tactical nuclear weapons against underground nuclear facilities could be the next step. Carlson echoed this sentiment, arguing that any president contemplating the first use of nuclear weapons should be removed from office.\n\nThe renewed tensions highlight the current stalemate, with both sides engaging in a protracted stand-off rather than making significant progress toward a resolution. Despite efforts to pressure Iran through economic sanctions, shipping through the Strait of Hormuz remains a point of contention, and neither side appears ready to back down.",
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}