Washington: In a tense and unpredictable escalation of rhetoric, former U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday refused to confirm or deny plans for a potential military strike on Iran, leaving global leaders and observers speculating on Washington’s next move, as per a report by the Al Jazeera.
“I may do it, I may not do it,” Trump said during an exchange with reporters at the White House. “Nobody knows what I’m going to do.”
Trump’s comments came amid intensifying U.S.-Iran tensions, as Tehran and Tel Aviv edge closer to direct confrontation. Trump reiterated that it’s not too late for Iran to abandon its nuclear ambitions, even as U.S. involvement in Israel’s ongoing military operations against Iran becomes increasingly apparent.
“Nothing’s too late,” Trump said. “Iran’s got a lot of trouble… Nothing is finished until it is finished. The next week is going to be very big — maybe less than a week.”
When asked about Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s defiance of his calls for unconditional surrender, Trump curtly responded, “I say good luck.”
Earlier that day, Khamenei warned that any U.S. strikes against the Islamic Republic would bring “irreparable damage” to Washington, declaring that Iran would not bow to Trump’s threats.
Adding to the provocative statements, Trump claimed on Tuesday that the U.S. knows Khamenei’s location. “He is an easy target, but is safe there — we are not going to take him out, at least not for now,” he said.
Trump’s aggressive posturing followed his early departure from an international summit to return to Washington for urgent consultations with his national security team. He also called on Tehran’s 9.5 million residents to flee for their lives, amplifying fears of a full-scale conflict.
The death toll in Iran has reportedly risen to 240 people, including 70 women and children.
This recent volley of threats and counter-threats signals a volatile phase in U.S.-Iran relations, which have remained tense since the U.S. withdrawal from the nuclear agreement in 2018. With both nations doubling down on hostile rhetoric, the coming days may prove critical for the region’s stability.
