Trump Threatens Iran: "May Have to Destroy What's Left"

U.S. President Donald Trump indicated on Thursday that a decision on renewing military strikes against Iran is imminent, stating, "We will make a decision regarding Iran. Do we want to go further and ensure this never happens again?" He added, "I would prefer not to destroy what's left of the country, if possible, but I may have to. You will know very soon."

The President's remarks come as the United States continues military preparations for a potential resumption of hostilities, while simultaneously engaging in Qatari-mediated talks with Iran. Trump is reportedly considering three main options: renewing military attacks, reaching an agreement with Tehran, or maintaining the naval blockade and severe economic sanctions without escalating to wider conflict.

According to senior American officials, the U.S. military is finalizing preparations for a potential renewal of extensive military operations in Iran, including the transfer of additional forces and assets to the region. Concurrently, Qatari mediators are working to advance a draft agreement between the two nations, which could prevent a return to fighting and allow for the resumption of direct talks between Washington and Tehran in the coming days.

Earlier this week, Trump told Channel 12 News that contacts with Iran were progressing, stating, "We are talking to them. It is progressing well. The problem is we are not sure who is making decisions and we don't want them to try to string us along again." He noted that economic pressure on Iran continues and estimated that the Tehran regime is more interested in an agreement now than at any previous stage of the conflict.

Internal disagreements within the American administration also shape the decision-making process. Vice President J.D. Vance reportedly supports reaching an agreement and has warned in recent months about the political cost of continuing the conflict. Following the Republican defeat in the midterm elections, Vance wrote, "The reason we lost is the war." Trump himself acknowledged the conflict's contribution to the loss but stated he does not regret his decision to engage in the campaign against Iran.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is also involved in the discussions. According to information obtained by N12, Netanyahu is pressing Trump to renew attacks on Iran, while the President has requested that negotiations be allowed to run their course. Earlier this week, N12 reported, citing two Israeli and American sources, that a conversation described as "direct and sharp" took place between them regarding the continuation of the campaign.

Alongside the military option, some of Trump's senior advisors, including CIA Director John Ratcliffe and Secretary of the Treasury the Secretary of the Treasury, favor continuing the naval blockade and economic pressure on Iran. No public decision has yet been made regarding the renewal of attacks, but the President made clear on Thursday that a decision is approaching: "I may have to do it. You will know very soon."