Trump Threatens Iran, Hints at Broader Strikes Ahead of US Midterms

Tensions between the United States, Israel, and Iran continue to escalate, with Washington issuing strong warnings while attempting to avoid prolonged conflict ahead of the US midterm elections. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the US will continue to strike Iran in response to attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz. The US has also conveyed a stern message to Iran via Qatar, indicating that after targeting military objectives, strikes could expand to energy and infrastructure targets.

President Donald Trump, in an interview with an Israeli news outlet, assured Israel that it has "nothing to fear" from a renewed conflict with Iran, asserting his personal protection. He also suggested that the current US campaign against Iran "will not last much longer," explaining that US strikes had thwarted an Iranian attempt to build a sea-mine-laying rocket. Simultaneously, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a strong warning, stating that any Iranian attack on Israel would result in a heavy price and that Israel "will decide the regime in Iran, and it will fall."

Behind the scenes, efforts are underway to prevent further escalation. Reports suggest that mediators have informed the US that Iran is not seeking de-escalation and may be aiming to provoke conflict before the US elections. Some senior figures around Trump reportedly wish to avoid escalating the conflict before the midterms to minimize potential damage to Republicans, with the White House possibly considering increased military action only after the elections, though no final decision has been made.

The US administration is currently focusing on increasing economic pressure on Iran, hoping to achieve concessions in future negotiations. A White House official noted that while pressure on Iran continues, the midterm elections are a priority. Trump, however, dismissed the notion that the elections influence his decisions, stating his party's electoral prospects are what matter. He also believes the American public appreciates his administration's efforts to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons.

While Trump and Rubio project a willingness to continue and potentially expand military operations, other White House officials are reportedly trying to manage the scope of the campaign and prevent an escalation that could impact the US political landscape. Meanwhile, Iran's economic situation appears dire. Iranian President Hassan Rouhani warned Revolutionary Guard leaders that the country cannot sustain its current economic state, lacking funds for food, infrastructure, or salaries, and cautioned that the situation is "on the way to losing control."