Former President Donald Trump indicated on Sunday that he is weighing the possibility of military action against Iran amid escalating tensions in the Middle East. Speaking during a call with Fox News correspondent Trey Yingst, Trump outlined three options for dealing with Iran: striking a deal, maintaining economic sanctions to pressure the regime, or pursuing more drastic military measures, including the potential destruction of the Iranian government.
Trump stated he was in a “deciding mode” and suggested that significant developments could occur soon. He posed the question rhetorically, asking when he should “blow the entire nation up,” while warning Iran to “behave.” The remarks came as Iran accused the United States of planning a new attack and threatened to retaliate against American military installations and interests across the region.
In response to the heightened risk of conflict, the U.S. State Department issued a security alert on Saturday advising increased vigilance for Americans traveling in the Middle East, citing the potential for unforeseen escalation. Despite this, Trump sought to minimize concerns, describing the weekend as consistent with previous periods of regional tension.
The potential for diplomatic engagement remains, as Iranian officials are expected to attend the United Nations General Assembly in New York this week. When asked about a possible meeting with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian at the UN, Trump said he would likely be open to such talks.
Trump also criticized Iranian officials for failing to send representatives with genuine negotiating authority, accusing them of “hiding like rats.” Meanwhile, the U.S. continues to enforce a naval blockade aimed at restricting Iran’s economic activity. The U.S. Central Command reported recently escorting over 1 billion barrels of crude oil through the strategic Strait of Hormuz, protecting more than 2,000 commercial vessel transits and clearing shipping lanes of mines. Iranian officials dismissed these claims as a “failed psychological operation.”
The situation in the region further deteriorated over the weekend with an attack by Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen on Saudi Arabia. The Houthis launched a ballistic missile targeting Riyadh, marking the first such strike on the Saudi capital since the conflict intensified. The missile was reportedly intercepted near King Khalid International Airport, with no immediate reports of casualties or damage.
In addition to the missile attack, the Houthis targeted vital Saudi oil infrastructure, including a major pipeline near the Red Sea port of Yabu, leading to its temporary shutdown. Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree, a Houthi military spokesperson, claimed the assaults involved both ballistic and cruise missiles, as well as drone strikes, framing them as retaliation for Saudi attacks on Sanaa, Yemen’s rebel-held capital.
The ongoing hostilities between the Houthis and Saudi Arabia are part of a broader conflict involving Iran and have heightened concerns about regional stability. Recent incidents include the downing of a Houthi drone, the debris of which caused the first civilian casualty in the Saudi kingdom's fighting with the rebels. Saudi officials also reported that a Houthi drone came dangerously close to Mecca, Islam’s holiest site.
In the midst of these developments, Trump cut short his weekend retreat at Camp David, returning to the White House on Saturday night without providing a stated reason for the early departure. The diplomatic and military situation in the Middle East remains volatile as global attention turns to upcoming discussions at the United Nations.