# US political controversy over Iran conflict rhetoric > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/us-political-controversy-over-iran-conflict-rhetoric > Updated: 2026-10-15T07:36:14.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2. During a campaign rally in Nebraska, Donald Trump suggested that the United States might pursue war with Iran even if it resulted in retaliatory strikes on American cities. He stated, “It’s a small price to pay to ensure the security of the world, to ensure the security of our country, and all this will be over very quickly. Let them destroy Los Angeles, let them destroy San Diego.” These remarks drew swift condemnation from California officials. Governor Gavin Newsom described the comments as “deranged and dangerous,” while Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria expressed concerns regarding city safety and the treatment of residents as “collateral damage.” The White House attempted to reframe the statements as a way to highlight the threat of a nuclear-armed Iran. While California emergency management officials began monitoring for potential security or cyber threats following the remarks, intelligence reports noted that there is no confirmed evidence of an imminent Iranian capability to strike the U.S. West Coast. ## Timeline ### 2026-10-15: California leaders condemn Trump remarks regarding potential Iranian strikes California leaders, including Governor Gavin Newsom, condemned President Trump after he suggested at a rally that Iran could ‘take out’ Los Angeles and San Diego, calling it a ‘small price to pay.’ 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/california-leaders-condemn-trump-remarks-regarding-potential-iranian-strikes ### 2026-10-10: Donald Trump suggests West Coast destruction is a small price to prevent Iranian nuclear weapons Donald Trump suggested during a Nebraska rally that the destruction of cities like Los Angeles and San Diego would be a “small price to pay” to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/donald-trump-suggests-west-coast-destruction-is-a-small-price-to-prevent-iranian-nuclear-weapons --- Cite as: US political controversy over Iran conflict rhetoric. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/us-political-controversy-over-iran-conflict-rhetoric