US President Donald Trump said in the Oval Office on November 5 that Washington might take further action against Iran. He said a decision would become known soon and repeated his aim of preventing Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons.

In remarks reported by Anadolu Agency, Trump said he would prefer not to destroy the rest of the country but might have to. He also claimed reconstruction could take 25 years. That timeframe was his assertion, not an independently established damage assessment.

The remarks came amid discussion of indirect contacts over Iran’s nuclear programme. They did not announce the launch of a new attack. Whether Washington’s next decision emphasises military pressure or negotiations remains unresolved.