US President Donald Trump has warned that the United States could carry out military strikes against Iran within two to three days if tensions continue to escalate, issuing one of his strongest statements yet on the standoff between Washington and Tehran.
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Speaking to reporters during a visit to a construction site at the White House ballroom, Trump said Iran must not be allowed to develop nuclear weapons, arguing that such a development would pose an immediate threat to regional security and particularly to Israel.
He claimed that if Iran acquired a nuclear capability, it would likely target Israel first, adding that “time is limited” and that Tehran must be stopped from advancing its nuclear program. Trump warned that a “major strike” may be necessary to deliver a decisive blow to Iran’s capabilities.
The US president said a decision on military action could come within days, possibly by the end of the week or early next week. He added that he had been just an hour away from authorising an attack earlier but had paused the plan following diplomatic discussions with regional allies.
Trump also stated that several Gulf countries, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, had urged him to delay any immediate military action to allow space for ongoing negotiations.
Despite the pause, he made clear that military options remain on the table and that the situation is being closely monitored. His remarks have further heightened concerns about a potential escalation in the already fragile US-Iran relationship.
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Diplomatic efforts reportedly continue through regional mediators, but no breakthrough has yet been announced. Analysts warn that any new strike could significantly widen tensions across the Middle East and impact global energy markets.