US President Donald Trump said he was “an hour away” from launching fresh attacks on Iran before allies in the Middle East asked him to postpone them this week. He told reporters at the White House on Tuesday that the US might still need to deliver “another big hit” to Iran despite earlier suggestions that the two countries were close to an agreement.
Trump’s Warning to Iran
Trump said that America’s decision would be known “very soon,” adding, “I hope we don't have to do the war, but we may have to give them another big hit... I'm not sure yet.” He claimed that Iran's leaders are “begging to make a deal” but warned that new strikes would be launched if an agreement was not reached within a limited timeframe.
“I'm saying two or three days, maybe Friday, Saturday, Sunday, something, maybe early next week, a limited period of time,” Trump said.
Background of Tensions
The US and Iran have been locked in a tense standoff, with recent military posturing raising fears of a wider conflict. Trump’s comments come amid reports that a peace process hangs in the balance, with both sides signalling possible negotiations but also preparing for further escalation.
Earlier this week, US officials had suggested that progress was being made toward a diplomatic resolution, but Trump’s latest remarks indicate that military action remains a viable option if talks fail.
International Reactions
Allies in the Middle East have urged restraint, with some requesting that Trump postpone any attack to allow more time for diplomacy. The president acknowledged their influence, saying he agreed to delay the strikes at their request.
However, he emphasized that the US would not wait indefinitely. “We’ll see what happens. They have to make a deal, and if they don't, we'll do what we have to do,” Trump stated.
The situation remains fluid, with the world watching closely as the deadline approaches.
