Fact Check: Trump Compared U.S. Strikes on Iran to Hiroshima and Nagasaki
What We Know
On June 25, 2025, President Donald Trump made remarks comparing recent U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites to the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki during World War II. He stated, "I don't want to use an example of Hiroshima, I don't want to use an example of Nagasaki, but that was essentially the same thing" (source-2). His comments drew immediate backlash, particularly from Japan, where officials and atomic bomb survivors expressed outrage. Nagasaki Mayor Shiro Suzuki described Trump's comments as "deeply regrettable" and potentially justifying the use of nuclear weapons (source-1).
The atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki resulted in the deaths of approximately 140,000 people, and the trauma from these events continues to affect survivors today (source-2). Following Trump's remarks, protests were held in Hiroshima, with survivors demanding a retraction (source-2).
Analysis
Trump's comparison has been met with significant criticism, particularly from those who experienced the bombings firsthand. Survivors and officials in Japan have labeled his comments as "unacceptable" and expressed anger over the implications that such comparisons could justify nuclear warfare (source-2). The outrage stems from the historical context of the bombings, which are viewed as tragic events that caused immense suffering and loss of life.
The reliability of the sources reporting on Trump's comments is generally high. Major news outlets like the BBC and NHK have covered the story extensively, providing multiple perspectives, including reactions from Japanese officials and survivors (source-1, source-2, source-7). These sources are known for their journalistic standards and commitment to factual reporting.
However, it is essential to note that Trump's comments were made in the context of defending U.S. military actions and asserting their effectiveness against Iran's nuclear program. This context may influence how his remarks are interpreted, as they serve a political purpose in framing the strikes as justified and impactful (source-3).
Conclusion
The claim that Trump compared U.S. strikes on Iran to Hiroshima and Nagasaki is True. His remarks were explicitly made during a press conference, and the subsequent reactions from Japanese officials and survivors confirm the seriousness of the comparison. The historical significance and the emotional weight of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombings make such comparisons particularly sensitive and controversial.
Sources
- Japan slams Trump's Hiroshima-Nagasaki comparison to Iran strikes
- Outrage as Trump compares Iran strikes to Japan atomic bombing
- Comparing US Iran strike to Hiroshima, Trump plays down
- Qui est Massad Boulos, ce libanais conseiller de TRUMP
- Pourquoi la fureur de Trump et Vance contre Zelensky
- Pourquoi ce chapeau de Melania Trump - JForum
- Japan reacts to Trump's remarks about Hiroshima
- Trump ; Je classe déjà l’UE comme un pays du tiers monde
