In brief
President Trump announced his willingness to resume strikes against Iran, while the Iranian army warned that any new conflict would be larger and more enduring than past hostilities. Iranian spokesperson Mohammad Akraminia said U.S. assets worldwide could be targeted, and Moscow’s sources indicate a letter from U.S. Vice President JD Vance urging renewed negotiations. Truman has already signaled that a “hammer” may be meted out if necessary, a stance that has been amplified by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s calls for immediate action after the U.S. midterm elections.
U.S. President Donald Trump again warned that he could resume military strikes against Iran, prompting Tehran’s army to warn that any revived conflict would be larger and longer than past ones. Trump made the remarks at a rally in Iowa on Sunday, saying,
"At some point, we are going to have to give them the hammer,"and adding that his intention was to
"I want to try and save all those lives if I can,"the outlet reported.
Iran’s Army spokesperson Mohammad Akraminia countered, saying U.S. assets could be targeted everywhere and that a new conflict could last considerably longer. He warned that any U.S. aggression would trigger an immediate, decisive response on a larger scale than before, extending beyond West Asia. Akraminia also noted that U.S. facilities, equipment, personnel, and interests could be struck wherever within reach.
Xinhua added that Tehran had received a letter from U.S. Vice President JD Vance on Thursday, sent at Trump’s direction, calling for the resumption of peace negotiations. The letter was described by Iranian officials as a “good sign.” This claim appears only in the Xinhua report.
The same Xinhua story cited The Wall Street Journal, which said senior U.S. military officials briefed Trump on possible options regarding Iran earlier that week. That reporting is not found in any other source.
Axios reported that Trump had a phone conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Saturday, during which Netanyahu urged Trump to strike Iran immediately after the midterm elections. The outlet also said Trump prefers to let negotiations play out, a view corroborated by TASS coverage that noted Trump’s intent to avoid any pre‑midterm strikes and that he is open to continuing talks. TASS also mentioned that a potential loss for the Republican Party in the midterms could push Trump toward renewed operations.
In short, the U.S. president declared a willingness to strike Iran if necessary, while Iranian forces warned of a broader, longer‑lasting conflict, and several U.S. officials are reportedly discussing options to either pursue or postpone military action as the midterm election approaches.
