In brief
On Nov. 6, 2026 President Donald Trump warned he might have to "destroy the rest" of Iran, a statement that drew sharp focus as Turkey’s parliament ratified a new joint defense pact with Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. Israel’s president also announced a looming decision on the next government amid post‑election negotiations.
On Nov. 6, 2026 President Donald Trump warned in the Oval Office that he might have to "destroy the rest" of Iran, a statement that has added a new dimension to ongoing tensions in the region. Trump also said he would not replace Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, describing him as doing a very good job.
"I would rather not destroy the rest of the country, if possible, but maybe I’ll have to. And you’ll know soon enough," Trump told reporters in the Oval Office, according to a report by Anadolu Agency.
The Turkish parliament approved a bill ratifying the Mecca Agreement on Joint Defense between Turkey, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, voting 279 to 119, with 398 out of 592 members present. Lawmaker Ziya Altunyaldiz said the pact “aims to expand security cooperation in the region” and contains no approach against any third country.
Israel’s president Isaac Herzog said he would announce on Sunday which lawmaker would be tasked with forming the next government after consultations with parties. Herzog noted that parties representing 67 Knesset seats backed Gadi Eisenkot, while those holding 46 seats backed incumbent Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, but the outcome remains uncertain due to mutual objections.
