Trump warns of ‘very big things’ as Iran war decision looms

WASHINGTON, Sep 20: US President Donald Trump said Sunday he is approaching a critical decision point in the ongoing war with Iran, warning that major developments could follow if Tehran does not change its conduct.

“My question is if and when do I blow the entire nation up? They had better behave,” Trump told Fox News, outlining what he described as his options in dealing with Iran.

Trump said those options include destroying the country, allowing its economy to “rot,” or reaching a negotiated agreement. He added that “very big things are going to be happening in the not-so-distant future.”

With the United Nations General Assembly high-level week beginning Monday, Trump indicated he could be open to diplomatic engagement and said he would “probably be open” to meeting Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. Neither Tehran nor Pezeshkian immediately responded to the remarks.

The 81st session of the UN General Assembly high-level week is being held from Sept. 18 to 28 at UN Headquarters in New York, with the main General Debate scheduled for Sept. 22-28.

Turning to the wider regional conflict, Trump said Washington remains in communication with Yemen’s Houthis following recent ballistic missile attacks targeting Saudi Arabia. He said the group had agreed to avoid fighting US forces.

Trump has previously said the war with Iran would “end after the midterms” in November.

Meanwhile, the US State Department issued a travel warning Sunday, citing escalating tensions across the region. It warned that Iran and groups supporting Tehran could target US interests, businesses and institutions, as well as locations associated with Americans around the world.