US President Donald Trump said on Saturday that Washington could strike one or two remaining Iranian nuclear facilities within 10 minutes, warning that further military action remained an option despite ongoing negotiations with Tehran.
Speaking to reporters during a Halloween event at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach, Florida, Trump claimed US military operations had already destroyed much of Iran’s nuclear and conventional military capabilities.
He said only a small number of targets remained, including a suspected underground nuclear facility known as Pickaxe Mountain.
Trump said American forces could deal with the remaining sites in 10 minutes, suggesting Washington retained the ability to launch further strikes at short notice.
The president also claimed that US attacks had severely weakened Iran’s navy, air force and air defence systems, adding that Washington was in no rush to resume military operations.
Despite the warning, Trump said negotiations aimed at ending the conflict were progressing, although he expressed doubts about Tehran’s willingness to honour any agreement.
He described the talks as going well but said Iranian officials were not entirely trustworthy, accusing Tehran of previously backing away from agreements.
Trump reiterated that Washington would not permit Iran to acquire nuclear weapons and said Iranian leaders appeared interested in reaching a settlement.
The remarks come amid growing speculation that the United States could launch a short but intensive military campaign against Iran following the November 3 US midterm elections.
The Wall Street Journal reported on Sunday that Trump had spoken by telephone with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Saturday as Washington considered resuming military operations against Iran.
Citing people familiar with the conversation, the newspaper said the call followed discussions between Trump and senior US military commanders at the White House over options for renewed strikes.
The reported preparations have raised concerns about another escalation in the conflict, even as diplomatic efforts continue to secure an agreement between Washington and Tehran.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Saturday that Trump had not made a final decision on renewed military action and that Washington remained open to a diplomatic solution.
