- US President Donald Trump stated he has not yet decided on launching major military strikes against Iran, even as Washington continues diplomatic talks with Tehran over its nuclear programme.
- He mentioned that Iran was becoming 'more serious' in negotiations but warned that the military option remains on the table if diplomacy fails.
- Speaking at the Oval Office, Trump indicated that Iran was becoming 'more and more serious' in negotiations, suggesting ongoing discussions could lead to a diplomatic breakthrough.
- 'No, I haven't,' Trump said when asked whether he had approved a major military operation. 'We're talking to them right now. I think they're getting more and more serious as the days go by, for maybe the obvious reason.'
- Trump warned that Tehran faces a choice between reaching a negotiated agreement with the United States or facing a significantly stronger military response.
- Trump reiterated that preventing Iran from developing a nuclear weapon remains his administration's primary objective, although he declined to specify what would constitute the 'tipping point' for authorising further military action.
President Donald Trump has kept the military option against Iran open while acknowledging that Tehran is becoming 'more serious' in nuclear negotiations. Speaking from the Oval Office, Trump stated, 'No, I haven't,' when asked about approving military strikes, emphasizing ongoing diplomatic talks.2
Trump warned that Iran faces a choice: reach a negotiated agreement or face a 'much higher level' of military response. He noted, 'We're locked and loaded and ready to go.' The president reiterated that preventing Iran from developing a nuclear weapon is his administration's primary objective, although he did not specify the 'tipping point' for further military action.56
Recent reports indicate that Trump is considering a 'massive attack' if diplomacy fails, following nearly two weeks of US military operations aimed at preventing Iran from disrupting shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. Trump also rejected claims that Russia and China are supplying weapons to Iran, asserting that both leaders assured him they would not arm Tehran. He cautioned that such actions would be 'very bad for them' and not in their strategic interests.
As tensions escalate, Trump’s administration continues to navigate a complex diplomatic landscape while keeping military options on the table.
“Trump consulted top advisors on Friday, with the New York Times confirming he has not yet approved major strikes, though Axios reported he hinted at a 'massive attack' if talks fail. Separately, Iran has killed four US service members in retaliatory strikes, pushing the conflict into its fifth month and raising political stakes ahead of the midterm elections.”
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