'It Could Even Be Tomorrow' — Trump Hints at Iran Strike While Keeping Deal Door Open
When will the United States strike Iran again? US President Donald Trump's latest remarks have brought that question back to the fore. Trump has hinted that an attack could come as early as today, while at the same time raising the possibility of a deal with Iran. As a result, uncertainty over Washington's next step has only grown.
Speaking to reporters on Saturday (October 25), Trump said the United States is thinking about striking Iran and that it could even happen tomorrow. He did not, however, clarify whether any final decision has been taken. His remarks carried two messages at once — the threat of military action and the possibility of a diplomatic settlement.
Asked how far a decision on a possible strike has progressed, Trump said, 'We are considering it, it could even be tomorrow.' He then added, 'Do you really think I am going to tell you whether I will strike or not?' The comment made clear that, whatever the decision, the US president is not willing to reveal it in advance.
According to Trump, there is still a chance for Iran to avoid US military action. Iran can reach an agreement with Washington if it wants. But he also voiced doubt over whether Tehran would honour any deal it signs. In other words, while the path to an agreement remains open, he did not hide his lack of trust in Tehran.
Trump said Iran wants to make a deal. But the question, he said, is whether it would abide by that deal. His remarks suggest that for Washington, the biggest question around any possible settlement will be whether Tehran keeps its commitments.
Iran's nuclear programme also featured prominently in Trump's comments. He said his goal is to ensure that Iran cannot build nuclear weapons in the future. He also remarked that the earlier US military operation using B-2 bombers had not been enough to secure that goal over the long term.
Trump said, 'I have to make it permanent. That is why I am doing this.' In his telling, then, it is because the results of the earlier operation did not last that he is now considering fresh action. That reasoning appears to be the basis on which he raised the prospect of a new strike.
Trump also claimed that the volume of oil transported through the Strait of Hormuz has increased compared with the period before the war began. He offered no statistics to support the claim, however, so his assertion about this vital energy route remains unverified.
Trump announced no final decision on what the next step in the ongoing conflict around Iran will be. Instead, he kept both options — a military operation and a diplomatic settlement — open. This dual message of threat and talks is now Washington's position on the Iran issue.
In Trump's words, 'I may have to finish it, or they could reach a deal. But I am not sure. Either way, we win.' Uncertainty runs through the statement, yet it also carries confidence about the outcome.
The war between Iran and the United States and Israel, which began in February this year, spread tension across the Middle East. Although initiatives were later taken to finalise a ceasefire and a peace deal, a lasting resolution of the conflict remains uncertain. Trump's new remarks have come amid that very uncertainty.
In this situation, Trump's latest comments have brought forward both the fear of a fresh US attack on Iran and the possibility of a diplomatic settlement. What remains to be seen is which path Washington ultimately chooses — whether the hint of a strike tomorrow becomes reality, or whether the two sides sit down at the negotiating table.
