‘Small potatoes’: US President Trump downplays war on Iran - Al Jazeera

**‘Small potatoes’: US President Trump downplays war on Iran**

Washington – In a televised interview on Thursday, President Donald Trump dismissed the escalating tension between the United States and Iran as “small potatoes,” asserting that the conflict did not amount to a full‑scale war. The remarks came after a series of U.S. statements warning Tehran of possible strikes on the so‑called Pickaxe Mountain nuclear facility – a colloquial name for Iran’s Natanz enrichment plant. Trump said he was in “full agreement” with Senate Majority Leader Richard Vance, who had earlier characterized the standoff as a “limited engagement” rather than a declared war.

When asked about the prospect of a U.S. strike, the president hinted that action could be taken “very soon” if Tehran continued to defy American demands. He declined to provide a specific timeline, but emphasized that the United States retained “all the options” to protect its interests and regional allies. The president’s comments contrasted with those of several Pentagon officials who had previously warned that any missile or drone attack on Natanz could trigger a broader regional conflagration and potentially draw NATO partners into the fray.

Iranian officials responded by calling Trump’s remarks “reckless” and vowed to defend their sovereign territory. The Iranian Foreign Ministry issued a statement condemning the United States for “inflaming a volatile situation” and reaffirmed its commitment to continue its nuclear program under the terms of the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. Analysts noted that Trump’s downplaying of the crisis may be intended to reassure domestic audiences ahead of the upcoming mid‑term elections, while also signaling to Tehran that Washington remains willing to act decisively if diplomatic channels fail.