Trump Says Decision on Further Iran Strikes Will Come Soon

President Donald Trump said on November 5 that a decision about further U.S. military action against Iran would become known soon. Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, he said American forces were ready to carry out additional strikes, while expressing a preference to avoid further destruction in Iran. Trump reiterated that Iran must not acquire a nuclear weapon and asserted that Tehran could not proceed with nuclear activity without Washington’s approval. Asked about additional military operations, Trump said: “You will know soon enough.” His remarks left the possibility of renewed strikes open, without specifying when an operation would take place or announcing an agreement with Tehran. Two U.S. officials were reported as saying that Trump discussed Iran with senior national-security advisers during his weekly intelligence briefing on November 5. The reported options included further military strikes, continued economic pressure and a negotiated agreement involving concessions to Iran. The account described discussions of possible courses of action, rather than a completed decision. The remarks followed a November 3 telephone interview in which Trump had said he had no immediate plans for further strikes, while keeping military action available. He also described continuing indirect discussions with Iran, including talks about enriched uranium beneath rubble after earlier U.S. attacks.