US President Donald Trump described Iranians as “nuts” and “crazy people” during an interview with NBC News on Sunday, while defending his hardline approach toward Tehran and insisting that Washington must prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.
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Speaking in an interview with NBC News’ Meet the Press , Trump said the United States was acting to prevent a global catastrophe.
“I had to stop a country, very powerful, very dangerous country, from having a nuclear weapon because they'd use it. They'd blow up the world. They'd blow up the Middle East. They'd blow up Israel. They'd come here. They'd blow up Europe,” Trump said.
He added, “They're nuts, okay? They're crazy people. I deal with them. And very high-strung people. A little crazy.”
Despite the remarks, Trump also said he personally “likes” Iranians and framed US policy as a protective measure.
“And get along with them. I like them. But you don't want to let them have a nuclear weapon,” he said. “And I'm doing the world a service, but I'm doing our country a service, you know? It's America first. I'm doing our country a service.”
