The White House denies that the U.S. is considering using nuclear weapons in Iran.

According to a report by CNN on April 7, the White House is trying to downplay speculation about the possibility of the United States using nuclear weapons in Iran and has refuted comments on social media that allegedly suggested Vice President Pence might consider such a measure.

The report stated that Pence told reporters in Hungary that day: “We have some tools in our ‘toolbox,’ although we have not yet decided to use them. The President of the United States has the authority to decide whether to employ these tools. If Iran does not change its course of action, the President will certainly decide to use them.” This statement, along with a threat from President Trump on social media stating “Tonight, all of civilization will be destroyed” directed at Iran, sparked some online speculation that Pence was referring to the use of nuclear weapons.

The report also mentioned that in response to a post on social media from the Democratic camp claiming “Pence hinted that Trump might use nuclear weapons,” the White House countered on social media, stating: “There is nothing ‘literal’ in the Vice President’s remarks here that ‘implies’ this.”

The report further noted that the online dispute highlights the anxiety expressed by the White House as the “deadline” set by Trump for Iran approaches.

On the 6th, during a press conference at the White House, Trump stated that whether the conflict with Iran is about to escalate or come to an end depends on Iran's response to the “deadline” he set for 8 PM Eastern Time on the 7th (8 AM Beijing Time on the 8th).