Trump says Iran can hit San Diego, Los Angeles

President Trump doubled down on his comments suggesting Iran could hit Los Angeles and San Diego during a rally in Texas on Wednesday, adding that the U.S. would not let such a scenario play out. The speech, delivered to a crowd of 10,000 supporters in Dallas, echoed Trump’s earlier warning that the Iranian regime was planning a “massive attack” on U.S. cities. The former president’s remarks come as the U.S. and Iran have been at odds over nuclear talks and regional influence, and the threat of a missile strike has intensified after Iran’s recent drone attacks on Israeli targets.

Trump’s comments are part of a broader campaign to portray the current administration as weak on national security. He has repeatedly criticized the Biden administration’s handling of Middle Eastern affairs, claiming that the U.S. is “in a state of collapse” and that foreign adversaries are waiting for a chance to strike. The former president also cited the 2022 attack on the U.S. embassy in Tehran and the 2023 drone strike on an Israeli airbase as evidence that Iran could target American cities. Analysts say that such rhetoric stokes fear and may be intended to rally voters before the midterm elections.

White House officials denied any credible threat of a missile strike on U.S. soil, saying that the U.S. has robust missile defense systems in place. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said that the Pentagon monitors all missile activity and that no Iranian missile has approached U.S. borders. Iranian officials have denied the claims, calling Trump’s statements “baseless political theatre.” Social media users split into two camps: some applaud Trump’s “strong stance,” while others criticize him for spreading panic and misinformation.

The comments come at a time when Congress is debating new defense spending and a possible increase in missile defense budgets. If Trump’s rhetoric gains traction, it could influence public opinion and pressure lawmakers to allocate more funds to coastal defense. The Biden administration may also intensify diplomatic efforts to curb Iran’s missile program. Meanwhile, the Trump campaign is likely to use the story in upcoming rallies to galvanize his base. Analysts warn that repeated threats of this nature could further polarize the public and distract from other pressing domestic issues.