US President Donald Trump stated that the US is at a “critical juncture” regarding whether to resume large-scale attacks to end the Iran situation.
In an interview with Axios, Trump said, “A critical decision is approaching: whether to attack and annihilate the Iranian regime or not,” adding, “Anything could happen.”
Trump is scheduled to meet with leaders from six Middle Eastern countries, including Saudi Arabia, on the 22nd during the UN General Assembly in New York, and stated, “I want to know their positions and the situation.”
Trump, however, avoided commenting on whether the “critical decision” regarding Iran would be made before or after the midterm elections in November.
The prolonged Iran situation, which began in February, has significantly driven up energy prices, exerting considerable political pressure on the Trump administration.
While US forces continue a naval blockade against Iran in the Strait of Hormuz and implement economic isolation measures, no progress has been made in reaching a ceasefire agreement with Iran. The day before, Trump had said, “Iran wants an agreement, and we’ll see what happens.”
Amid the lack of breakthroughs, Trump administration officials are reportedly anticipating a potential resumption of large-scale military operations if no agreement is reached by the midterm elections. Axios reported that Trump instructed Pete Hegseth, the Secretary of War, to maintain the current US troop levels deployed in the Middle East until the end of the year in preparation for potential large-scale operations. However, one official noted, “It’s difficult for the military to sustain the current standby posture for an extended period,” adding, “At some point, we must decide on the final objective.”
