Trump under fire after saying Iran could ‘take out’ L.A. or San Diego

US President Donald Trump has drawn widespread criticism after appearing to suggest that Iran could “take out” Los Angeles or San Diego during a campaign rally in Nebraska.

According to The New York Times, Trump made the remarks while discussing the war with Iran and higher gasoline prices, describing the economic cost as “a small price to pay for keeping the world safe, keeping our country safe.”

“They can take out a city. Let them take out Los Angeles, let them take out San Diego,” Trump said.

The comments prompted sharp responses from California officials. Governor Gavin Newsom called the remarks “deranged and dangerous,” while Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said they could potentially compromise the city’s safety.

The White House later defended Trump, saying his comments had been taken out of context. Communications Director Steven Cheung said Trump was referring to the threat US cities could face if Iran obtained nuclear weapons.

The controversy comes amid heightened tensions over the US conflict with Iran and concerns about its impact on American fuel prices.