Trump Warns of More Strikes on Iran, Says Remaining Targets Could Be Hit in 10 Minutes

President Donald Trump stepped up military pressure on Iran, saying the US could launch additional attacks on the country’s military facilities.

According to AFP and other media reports on October 31, Trump told reporters at his Mar-a-Lago home in Florida that most of Iran’s military capabilities had been destroyed. He said one or two targets still remained and could be taken out in about 10 minutes.

Trump cited Iran’s underground nuclear facility known as Pickaxe Mountain as a possible target for further strikes. He also expressed confidence that a military operation against the site could be carried out quickly.

The comments came three days before the US midterm elections, as speculation has grown over a possible resumption of airstrikes on Iran. Earlier, US outlet MS Now reported that the Trump administration had sent a message to allies in the Gulf region telling them to prepare for the possibility of a strike on November 4, the day after the midterm elections.

Trump also left open the possibility of diplomatic negotiations with Iran. He said talks through mediating countries were progressing smoothly, while making clear he had little trust in Tehran and would wait to see whether a deal is actually reached.

Earlier, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said at a Group of 20 foreign ministers meeting that Trump had not made a final decision on additional military action against Iran. Rubio added that the US government was prioritizing a diplomatic resolution over a military response.

As the US continues talks with Iran while increasing military pressure, attention is focused on whether it will carry out an actual strike after the midterm elections.