Trump signals turning point in US-Iran war
Photo: US President Donald Trump (Getty Images)
The US military will maintain a presence in the Middle East at a level sufficient for a possible resumption of hostilities. At the same time, Washington must make an important decision regarding Iran, states US President Donald Trump, according to Axios.
The US president said he faces a critical decision: whether to resume large-scale military action against Iran or choose another path to end the conflict.
"I have a big decision coming up. Do I want to go in and annihilate them (the Iranian regime - ed.) or do I not? It's a big decision. Anything could happen with me," he said.
Trump said he plans to discuss the next steps during a meeting with the leaders of six Gulf countries on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly. The participating countries include Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Oman.
"I want to find out where they are and how they are doing. We have been very protective of them," the US president said.
At the same time, Trump declined to say whether he would make a decision on future actions before or after the midterm elections.
US presence in the Middle East
According to US officials, Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth have ordered the US military to maintain the necessary level of presence in the Middle East through the end of the year. The goal is to remain prepared for a possible resumption of hostilities.
Trump said he was very pleased that the naval blockade had prevented Iran from exporting oil.
"Not one ship has gone to Iran since we started. They tried and we blew them up," the US president said.
He added that Tehran is in direct contact with Washington and stated that "the Iranians still want to make a deal."
Politico reported that Donald Trump has spent at least $38.1 billion on conducting the war in the Middle East.
In addition, Trump recently suggested that the US could remain in Iran after the war ends and take control of its oil, as was the case with Venezuela.
