WASHINGTON — U.S. President Donald Trump has repeated controversial remarks suggesting that major American cities should be left exposed to potential attacks by Iran, sparking intense political backlash.

Speaking at a midterm campaign rally in Texas on the 7th (local time), President Trump stated, "We are making sure Iran never acquires a nuclear weapon. As I said the other day, just imagine if we let them hit San Diego or Los Angeles with a missile."

He continued, "Let them attack. Do you want to see a terrible sight? Let them attack San Diego. Let them attack L.A. Then you’ll see bad things happen."

"Do you want to see the country spiral out of control?" Trump emphasized, adding, "We will not let that happen. We protect our cities. We protect our country."

Los Angeles and San Diego are the first and second most populous cities in California along the Pacific coast—a state known as a strong Democratic stronghold.

Trump’s remarks appear intended to argue that a war with Iran was justified and inevitable, claiming that without it, major U.S. cities like L.A. and San Diego could have faced nuclear missile attacks from Iran.

Just two days prior, at a rally in Nebraska on the 5th, Trump similarly remarked, "They could destroy a city. Let them destroy L.A. Let them destroy San Diego."

While arguing that higher oil prices resulting from the Iran conflict are "a small price to pay to keep the world safe and our country safe," Trump's comments drew heavy criticism from the targeted regions and the Democratic Party, with critics asking whether he implies it would be acceptable for Iran to destroy L.A. and San Diego.

Particularly within California's political circles, the remarks triggered sharp reactions, with some officials claiming "President Trump is suffering from a mental illness" and calling for his removal from office.

Meanwhile, the White House defended the president, stating, "President Trump was making it abundantly clear that American cities would have been under grave threat had we failed to stop Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons."

[ⓒ Global Economic Times. 무단전재-재배포 금지]