US President Donald Trump has signalled two possible paths for the escalating standoff with Iran: renewed military action or a diplomatic agreement. Speaking on Saturday, Trump said Washington could strike Iran as early as Sunday, October 25, while keeping negotiations open.
Trump said he wanted a lasting solution to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons. However, he questioned whether Tehran would honour any agreement reached with Washington.
His remarks have raised fresh questions about the next phase of US-Iran tensions, as American military forces prepare for possible operations.
Trump Keeps Military Action and Diplomacy on the Table
Trump addressed reporters after attending an election rally at Guardian Centers in Perry, Georgia. When asked about a possible strike, he responded, “Do you really think I’m going to tell you if I’m going to do it?”
He then acknowledged both possibilities, saying, “There’s a possibility I will. There’s also a possibility we’ll have a nice big beautiful agreement.”
The US president indicated that Iranian leaders wanted an agreement. Nevertheless, he expressed doubts about Tehran’s commitment to any potential deal.
“They want to make a deal. But the problem is, will they hold the deal?” Trump said.
His comments suggest that Washington has not ruled out negotiations, although military action remains an option.
Trump Says Iran Nuclear Issue Needs a Permanent Solution
Trump argued that previous military operations and strikes had not eliminated the need for a lasting resolution. He referred to B-2 bomber strikes and warned that Iran could rebuild its nuclear capabilities.
“I’ve got to make it permanent. That’s the only reason I’m doing it as long as I’m doing,” Trump said.
He also presented the decision as a choice between further military action and an agreement with Tehran.
“The question is, do we finish that, which would not be difficult, or do we make a deal with them?” he said. “And that’s going to be up to them.”
Trump added, “I may have to finish it off, or maybe they’ll make a deal,” before saying, “But I’m not sure. Either way we win.”
Earlier, Trump criticised the Iran nuclear agreement negotiated under former US President Barack Obama.
He said, “I terminated one of the worst deals ever made: Barack Hussein Obama’s JCPOA, or as some people call it the Iran nuclear deal, which was a road to a nuclear weapon for Iran.”
Trump also claimed, “I terminated it, luckily just in time. And we obliterated Iran’s nuclear enrichment capacity with operation Midnight Hammer and operation Epic Fury,” during his rally remarks.
These statements reflect Trump’s position on Iran’s nuclear programme and his justification for previous US military actions.
US Warships Prepare for Possible Strikes Against Iran
Meanwhile, American military forces are reportedly preparing for potential operations against Iran.
US warships are loading munitions and preparing aircraft aboard the USS George Washington aircraft carrier strike group, according to a report cited in the supplied account.
Separately, reports indicate that the US military has developed options for renewed strikes following November’s midterm elections.
One report, citing two sources familiar with the planning, said US Central Command had prepared follow-up strike plans. These plans would require White House authorisation before implementation.
Another source said officials were presenting multiple options to War Secretary Pete Hegseth. Trump reportedly intends to keep his choices open until a final decision becomes necessary.
A Pentagon official described the military’s responsibility, saying, “job is to develop and present military options to the President.”
The official added, “We don’t speculate on hypothetical situations or future operations.”
Will Washington Choose War or Negotiations?
Trump’s latest remarks leave the immediate direction of US policy towards Iran uncertain. Although Washington continues preparing military options, the president has also left room for a diplomatic breakthrough.
A potential agreement would need to address Trump’s demand for a permanent solution to Iran’s nuclear ambitions. However, his doubts about Tehran’s willingness to honour an agreement remain a significant obstacle.
For now, the possibility of a US strike and the prospect of negotiations remain on the table. The next decision from Washington could determine whether tensions escalate further or diplomatic efforts gain momentum.
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