U.S. President Donald Trump said Thursday that his administration would soon decide whether to resume major military strikes against Iran or pursue alternative strategies, following high-level White House meetings with national security advisers. Trump also reiterated that Iran’s nuclear program would not proceed without U.S. approval, framing the decision as a choice between further destruction or a negotiated settlement.
Trump’s remarks came after a two-day meeting with his top security team, the first such discussions since the November 3 U.S. midterm elections. He told reporters in the Oval Office that the administration was prepared to take further action if necessary, while emphasizing a preference for avoiding additional destruction. "I would rather not destroy the rest of the country if possible, but maybe I’ll have to," Trump said. "You’ll know soon enough."
The president also asserted U.S. control over Iran’s nuclear ambitions, stating: "They’re not going to have a nuclear weapon; they know that. So do I." He added that Iran "cannot do anything regarding its nuclear program without approval from Washington."
White House Deliberations and Military Readiness
Senior U.S. officials confirmed that Trump met with his national security team on Wednesday and Thursday to assess options, including renewed airstrikes, sustained economic pressure via sanctions, or diplomatic engagement. While no final decision has been made, U.S. Central Command (Centcom) is finalizing preparations for potential major combat operations, according to a U.S. official cited by Axios.
Trump’s warning of military readiness was underscored by his statement: "If we have to do the rest of the Iran thing, we’re very much locked and loaded." Analysts note that the new moon on November 9 could provide favorable conditions for military operations, though no strike directive has been issued.
The deliberations follow Republican losses in the midterm elections, which Trump acknowledged were partly driven by voter dissatisfaction over the ongoing conflict and rising fuel prices. He later clarified that, despite the political fallout, he stood by his decision to initiate military action in Iran.
Diplomatic Efforts and Iranian Conditions
Amid the threat of escalation, Iran is reviewing a new proposal from regional mediators for a deal to constrain its nuclear program, according to reports citing U.S. and Iranian officials. The proposal, discussed in Doha, Qatar, represents the most concrete development in indirect U.S.-Iran negotiations in months. However, Iran has set seven conditions for reopening the Strait of Hormuz and entering broader talks, including the lifting of sanctions and a halt to U.S. military threats.
Iran’s top security official, Mohsen Rezaei, stated Thursday that Tehran would not negotiate until its conditions were met. "As long as they do not execute our seven conditions, we will neither open the Strait of Hormuz nor have negotiations with Washington," he said.
Economic and Geopolitical Implications
Energy analysts warn that a resumption of military strikes could send oil prices sharply higher, with Brent and West Texas Intermediate crude futures already trading near $100 per barrel. Bob McNally, CEO of Rapidan Energy Group, estimated an 80% chance of renewed fighting in the coming days, citing Trump’s stated determination to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.
The potential for further conflict has raised concerns about U.S. munitions supplies, which could constrain the duration and effectiveness of any renewed campaign. Meanwhile, the arrival of a third U.S. Navy aircraft carrier strike group in the region has been cited as a possible signal of preparations for strikes, though the USS Theodore Roosevelt is currently scheduled for a port call in Singapore.
Contradictory Signals and Policy Uncertainty
Trump’s rhetoric has included mixed signals in recent days. On Monday, he stated he was not considering strikes after the midterms, while on Tuesday, he told the Financial Times that the U.S. had no immediate plans for renewed attacks. However, by Thursday, he reverted to a more assertive stance, framing the decision as imminent.
The administration’s options remain under review, with Trump emphasizing that economic pressure and diplomatic negotiations are also on the table. "We seem to be getting everything we want," he said Tuesday, suggesting progress in indirect talks, though no details on concessions have been disclosed.
The White House has not provided a timeline for a decision, but Trump’s repeated use of the phrase "You’ll know soon enough" indicates that an announcement is likely within days.