Trump hints at more Iran attacks after call with Netanyahu

After a brief but heated call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, President Donald Trump told reporters that he was weighing the possibility of new attacks on Iran, even as he insisted the war would soon be over. The comments come just days before the U.S. Mid‑term elections and amid a flurry of diplomatic activity that has left Tehran in a state of cautious skepticism.

During a press briefing on Sunday, the former president, speaking to Right Side Broadcasting Network before a rally in Iowa, said he had spoken with Netanyahu on Saturday and that the two had discussed the war in Iran. Trump added that the U.S. Would soon put the conflict “away, one way or the other.” He claimed the nation had already knocked out much of Iran’s military and that any remaining targets could be dealt with “in 10 minutes,” citing an underground nuclear complex he called Pickaxe Mountain.

While Trump’s remarks were made in a campaign context, they echo a pattern of post‑election rhetoric. A former Pentagon official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth had just dismissed the Joint Chiefs’ top strategy planner, Lt. Gen. Brett Sylvia. The move, reported by Mcall, is the latest in a series of personnel changes under Hegseth’s tenure and comes as the administration weighs renewed strikes on Iran.

Iran’s reaction to Trump’s call has been one of cautious skepticism. Jiji reported that Tehran “does not trust the United States,” even though diplomatic talks continue through Qatari intermediaries. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said that Iranian negotiators were in Doha, negotiating a proposal that could reopen the Strait of Hormuz within two days if Washington met certain conditions. He also stressed that the Iranian side was not ready to meet directly with American officials and that rationality would ultimately prevail.

Iranian military spokesmen echoed that sentiment. Army spokesman Mohammad Akraminia warned that a new war could last longer than the current conflict and that the U.S. President would not dictate its duration. Revolutionary Guards spokesman Hossein Mohebi said the armed forces were “ready as never before” and that future conflict would have no geographical limits.

The regional backdrop has been marked by a series of maritime incidents. On Sunday, a vessel in the Strait of Hormuz was struck by an unknown projectile, according to the UK Marine Trade Operations Centre, while a Qatari gas tanker had been attacked earlier in the week. The U.K. Agency said the master of a merchant vessel had relayed a mayday call after another vessel was hit. These incidents are part of a broader pattern of attacks on shipping that has intensified since the war began in February.

In addition to maritime tensions, the U.S. Has been actively escorting oil tankers out of the Persian Gulf. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced on X that the U.S. Had removed 1.5 billion barrels of oil, though he did not provide a timeframe. The U.S. Has redirected 144 vessels, according to U.S. Central Command, and has been conducting ship‑to‑ship transfers in the Gulf of Oman.

While the U.S. Military has advanced its offensive posture, diplomatic channels remain open. Vice President J.D. Vance has reportedly sent a peace proposal to Iran, which was received by Iranian officials in Doha. The proposal, which includes lifting the blockade of Iranian ports and waiving sanctions on Iranian oil sales, was rejected, but the Iranian side has indicated it is still willing to negotiate.

What to watch next:

• Mid‑term election results on November 3, which could influence the U.S. Administration’s stance on Iran.
• Any formal U.S. Decision on new strikes, especially following Hegseth’s reshuffle of the Pentagon’s strategic planners.
• Iran’s continued negotiations with Qatari mediators and the potential for a breakthrough that would reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
• Further statements from Iranian military officials regarding readiness for a wider conflict.
• Any escalation of maritime incidents in the Persian Gulf or the Gulf of Oman.

For readers following the cost‑of‑living implications, the ongoing conflict threatens to disrupt global oil supplies, potentially driving up energy prices and exacerbating inflationary pressures. The U.S. And its allies are monitoring the situation closely, balancing the need to deter Tehran with the risk of a broader war that could destabilise regional economies.

In the days ahead, the world will be watching whether the U.S. Follows Trump’s hint of renewed attacks or continues to pursue diplomacy. The outcome will shape not only the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East but also the economic stability of nations worldwide.