US President Donald Trump said on Sunday that he had entered a critical decision-making phase over the ongoing conflict with Iran, warning that major developments could follow if Tehran did not change its conduct.
“My question is if and when do I blow the entire nation up? They had better behave,” Trump told the US network “Fox News”, according to the report.
He said his options included wiping out the country, allowing its economy to “rot” or negotiating an agreement. Trump added that “very big things are going to be happening in the not-so-distant future”.
Trump signals possible diplomatic engagement
Asked about the high-level week of the UN General Assembly, which begins on Monday, Trump said he would “probably be open” to meeting Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.
The remarks indicated that, despite his warnings, Washington could pursue diplomatic contacts with Tehran during the international gathering.
US contacts with Yemen’s Houthis
Speaking about wider regional tensions, Trump said the United States remained in constant communication with Yemen’s Houthis following recent ballistic missile attacks targeting Saudi Arabia.
He said the group had agreed to avoid fighting US forces.