Summary Trump warns of renewed US military strikes against Iran as envoy Tom Barrack says attacks could begin this weekend amid stalled diplomacy.
U.S. President Donald Trump warned Friday that Washington could launch another military operation against Iran if Tehran fails to reach a negotiated settlement. His remarks came as U.S. envoy Tom Barrack suggested that fresh American strikes could begin as early as this weekend.
Speaking at a rally in Florida, Trump cited Operation Midnight Hammer and Operation Epic Fury, claiming the two campaigns had significantly damaged Iran’s nuclear capabilities.
“We obliterated Iran's nuclear enrichment capacity with Operation Midnight Hammer,” Trump told supporters, referring to the earlier military operation. He said the subsequent Operation Epic Fury had further weakened Iran’s nuclear infrastructure.
Trump then warned that additional military action remained an option if Tehran refused to negotiate.
“We may do another little Epic Fury, or they'll agree,” he said.
“If they're smart, they'll just say, ‘Let's get down to business,’” Trump added, although he expressed skepticism that Iran would accept the offer.
U.S. Envoy Says Strikes Could Begin This Weekend
Earlier Friday, U.S. Ambassador to Türkiye Tom Barrack said Washington could launch another attack on Iran as soon as this weekend, despite previous indications that military action might be postponed until after the November 3 U.S. midterm elections.
“Could there be a strike this weekend? Absolutely,” Barrack told podcast host Mario Nawfal during a visit to the Gulf.
Barrack, who also serves as the U.S. special presidential envoy for Syria and Iraq, is a longtime friend and former business associate of Trump but does not have direct responsibility for Iran policy.
He emphasized that the administration remained open to a diplomatic resolution.
“[Trump] is very clear. He's open and available and accessible to a deal, and we've been at the table for months and months and months,” Barrack said.
However, Trump appeared caught off guard when reporters in Florida asked whether Barrack's comments indicated a shift in the administration's position on launching strikes before the congressional elections.
“That was my ambassador?” Trump asked.
“He’s a pretty powerful man, I guess. Well, if that’s the case, I don’t know anything about it,” he added.
Netanyahu Calls for Iran's Leadership to Be Overthrown
Despite the possibility of renewed military action, Barrack maintained that Washington was not seeking to overthrow Iran's government, drawing a distinction between the U.S. position and the approach advocated by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
“If you keep threatening the world, our allies, the Gulf, there will be a consequence. The consequence won't be regime change,” Barrack said.
“The United States — the president of the United States — has said he's not interested in regime change,” he added, questioning the feasibility of such an objective.
“The problem with regime change always is, what's the day-two scenario?” Barrack said.
Netanyahu, who is seeking reelection in Israel's October 27 parliamentary elections, has repeatedly called for the removal of Iran's clerical leadership in recent days. His statements follow two major bombing campaigns against Iran since last year.
Trump has also indicated that he could resume military strikes after a prolonged diplomatic stalemate, although he previously suggested that further action would not take place before the November 3 U.S. midterm elections.
Ceasefire Fails to Resolve U.S.-Iran Tensions
The United States and Israel launched a war against Iran in late February, with the stated objectives of dismantling the country's nuclear program and toppling its government.
The conflict remains unresolved despite a ceasefire and a memorandum of understanding intended to establish a framework for a comprehensive peace agreement.
Reports have also suggested that Washington and Israel have prepared plans for renewed military strikes against Iran following the U.S. midterm elections, fueling concerns that the conflict could escalate further.
Iran has remained a longstanding adversary of the United States and Israel since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, which overthrew the pro-Western shah and established the Islamic Republic.
Trump's latest warning, coupled with Barrack's remarks about the possibility of imminent strikes, underscores the uncertainty surrounding diplomatic efforts and the risk of renewed military confrontation in the region.
