President Donald Trump has said that the United States was ‘cocked and loaded’ to retaliate against Iran for shooting down an unmanned American drone but he cancelled the strikes 10 minutes before they were to be executed after being told some 150 people could die.

In a series of tweets he posted on Friday afternoon, Trump maintained that his country will never allow Iran to have a nuclear weapon, a major longtime resolve by the US and its allies.

He however said he was in no hurry to respond militarily to this week’s downing of the huge US surveillance drone over the Strait of Hormuz.

Also on Friday, Iran claimed it had issued several warnings before shooting down the drone over what it said was Iranian territory.

Although his latest tweets are seen as an indication that Trump does not want to escalate the clash with Tehran, he however did not rule out a future US strike on the Asian nation.

He added that the severe US economic sanctions are crippling the Iranian economy and that more are being imposed.

“On Monday, they shot down an unmanned drone flying in International Waters. We were cocked, loaded to retaliate last night on 3 different signs when I asked how many will die.

“150 people sir, was the answer from a General. 10 minutes before the strike, I stopped it.

“I terminated deal, which was not even ratified by Congress and imposed strong sanctions. They are a much weakened nation today than at the beginning of my Presidency when they were causing major problem throughout the Middle East. Now they are Bust!

“Proportionate to shooting down an unmanned drone. I am in no hurry, our Military is rebuilt and ready to go, by far the best in the world.

“Sanctions are biting and more added last night. Iran can NEVER have Nuclear Weapons, not against the US and not against the WORLD!,” Trump tweeted.