Trump hints the U.S. could resort to force against Iran
President Donald Trump suggested the United States might "blow up" Iran while discussing a possible deal.
Why it matters
The statement signals a possible shift toward military pressure on Iran, affecting diplomatic and security dynamics.
How this story developed
- Sep 11 Smoke spotted near Saudi East-West oil pipeline as Houthi advances intensify
- Sep 24 Speaking at the United Nations, Masoud Pezeshkian declared that Tehran will never bow to American pressure, even after Donald Trump warned of annihilating the Islamic Republic. He warned that sanctions and bullying would only strengthen Iranian resistance. Pezeshkian also criticized the United States and Israel for demanding limits on Iran’s nuclear program while Israel is believed to possess nuclear weapons.
- Sep 24 US and Iranian negotiators in New York are discussing a step-by-step plan that would see Iran reopen the Strait of Hormuz while the United States ends its economic blockade, though both sides cling to leverage.
- Sep 25 President Pezeshkian linked the Strait of Hormuz dispute to U.S. sanctions and the naval blockade in his UN address.
- Sep 25 President Donald Trump signaled interest in a deal before the midterm elections.
- Sep 26 In a speech to the UN General Assembly, Han Zheng highlighted China's view that global progress should be built on development and open cooperation. He warned that protectionist policies benefit no one and reiterated support for multilateral dialogue. The address also touched on the Middle East conflict, AI and the Belt and Road initiative, but did not mention Taiwan despite heightened US-China tensions. Analysts noted the speech was routine, with President Xi absent and senior officials rotating representation at the UN.
- Sep 26 Gulf leaders scheduled a meeting with Donald Trump to seek a diplomatic path with Iran.
- Sep 26 US President Donald Trump says he rejects Iran’s proposal of a seven‑day roadmap to end the war, reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
- Sep 27 President Trump dismissed Iran's proposal and no formal U.S. reply has been transmitted through mediators.
- Sep 27 Iran's foreign minister says Tehran is waiting for a US reply, via mediators, to its offer to reopen the Strait of Hormuz if Washington ends hostilities and releases frozen assets.
- Sep 27 Iran’s foreign minister warned Tehran could restart war over frozen assets.
- Sep 28 Han Zheng’s address emphasized Belt and Road cooperation with three‑quarters of participating nations.
- Sep 29 President Trump said U.S. negotiators will resume talks with Iran this week after rejecting Tehran's proposal.
- Sep 29 Araghchi announced he will depart for Tehran within hours after the New York meeting.
In this story
Donald TrumpIranblow updealOval OfficeUnited Statesmilitary actiondiplomacytension
Related stories
23 in this thread