Former UN weapons inspector Scott Ritter said President Donald Trump twice asked military leaders about using nuclear weapons against Iran and was refused both times as the ceasefire approaches its end this week.
Ritter claimed the president inquired about nuclear options with Chairman of the Joint Chiefs General Caine on two separate occasions. He said the general refused both times because the requests were unlawful.
According to Ritter, the Trump administration was completely unprepared for recent negotiations with Iran in Islamabad. He said the U.S. delegation had no position papers and required constant phone calls to Washington for instructions. “If people understood how ill-prepared this president is, they’d be embarrassed,” Ritter said.
President Trump has declared the ceasefire will end Wednesday, April 22, 2026, with hostilities resuming immediately. Ritter contended Iran has used the ceasefire period to significantly replenish its missile arsenals at a higher production rate and is prepared to launch devastating strikes if fighting resumes.
Ritter characterized the U.S. Navy’s seizure of an Iranian cargo ship in the Gulf over the weekend as an act of piracy with no legitimacy under international law. “It is an act of piracy,” he said. He argued the action was a psychological operation designed to create the appearance of strength for President Trump ahead of potential negotiations.
The negotiations in Islamabad have completely collapsed, with the Iranian team returning to Tehran while the U.S. delegation, including JD Vance, Steve Witkoff, and Jared Kushner, remains in a hotel.
If war resumes, Ritter claimed Iran plans to target critical infrastructure in Gulf Arab states, including power production and desalination plants. He argued such attacks could make cities like Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Kuwait City uninhabitable by destroying their basic utilities.
The U.S. is considering targeting Iranian civilian infrastructure such as bridges and power plants under the pretext of military necessity. Ritter characterized these plans as war crimes. He argued that military personnel who comply with such orders would be committing violations of international law.
Ritter also addressed the failed diplomatic efforts. He said the Gulf Arab-funded peace initiative has become derelict due to a loss of trust in President Trump.
Despite previous military actions, Ritter contended that U.S. operations have failed to damage Iran’s capabilities. “We did no damage to Iran. None. Zero,” he said.
According to Ritter, the Trump administration’s lack of preparation extended beyond the delegation’s immediate needs. He said the absence of coherent position papers reflected a broader strategic failure in Washington.
Ritter argued that Iran’s missile replenishment represents a significant escalation in its defensive readiness. He said the higher production rate achieved since the ceasefire gives Iran a formidable deterrent capability.
The targeting of civilian infrastructure in Gulf states would constitute a strategic shift in Iranian doctrine, according to Ritter. He claimed this plan is designed to create maximum humanitarian impact and force a rapid conclusion to any renewed conflict.
Ritter contended that the psychological operation involving the ship seizure was transparent to Iranian leadership. He said such tactics would not create leverage in any potential negotiation.
