I think you put it in perspective well. It does kind of seem like an idea that could only come out of “believing your own lies” and “wanting to look like you’re doing something when you’re not actually doing anything”. Like “Iran could make nukes” has been one of the main fear-mongering talking points about the country. In spite of the fact that, if I remember/understand right, Iran’s previous leader was opposed to having nukes (the one they murdered). And on top of that, Iran has not needed nukes to lay waste to the empire’s bases in the region.

So as priorities go, it sounds very performative and doesn’t make any sense to put resources toward. But it fits with Trump’s MO of trying to do showy things and then declare victory.