US President Donald Trump said Thursday that Washington is nearing a critical decision on the war with Iran, warning that a return to large-scale military operations against Tehran remains a possibility.
In remarks to Axios, Trump described the potential removal of Iran’s regime as a major decision, stressing that all options remain open. He also voiced satisfaction with the naval blockade, claiming that the United States had succeeded in disrupting Iran’s oil exports.
Trump said he is facing a consequential choice over whether to intervene and eliminate the Iranian regime, adding that US forces stationed across the Middle East are prepared for the possibility of a full-scale military confrontation.
The US president also said he wants to consult regional allies before determining the next steps, noting that he plans to hear their views directly during the United Nations meetings. He emphasized that Washington has remained committed to protecting its partners in the region.
Meanwhile, Trump confirmed that direct communication with Iran is continuing, stating that Tehran still wants to reach an agreement with the United States.
Axios, citing officials familiar with the matter, reported that Trump had ordered the current level of US military forces in the Middle East to remain in place through the end of the year in case hostilities resume.
The remarks follow US and Israeli strikes on targets inside Iran on February 28, which prompted retaliatory attacks from Tehran. Although Washington and Tehran reached a memorandum to halt hostilities in mid-June, the two sides later resumed exchanging strikes
