Former US President Donald Trump stated at a campaign rally in Georgia that he should "stop killing Iranian leaders" to identify negotiation partners, claiming US military actions have already severely diminished Tehran's leadership and defense capabilities. He reiterated his account of US destruction of Iran's military and leadership, citing "Operation Midnight Hammer" in 2025 and "Operation Epic Fury" this year. Trump also defended his 2018 decision to terminate the 2015 Iran nuclear deal (JCPOA), asserting it was done "just in time" to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons.