Trump Weighs New Threats Against Iran as Pezeshkian Seeks Talks, Refuses to Bow to Pressure

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump has said he is considering various options regarding the ongoing standoff with Iran, including the possibility of launching a major strike against the country. He warned that he could “blow up” all of Iran.
Meanwhile, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has expressed a desire for negotiations, making clear that Iran does not want war. Addressing a seminar reviewing parliamentary performance on Sunday, Pezeshkian said: “We will welcome any negotiations that lead to security and sustainable peace. On this path, we need unity and solidarity.”
He pointed to the sensitive and dangerous circumstances facing the country, attributing them to mounting pressure from adversaries and efforts to harm Iran. However, he stressed that Iran would never bow to a policy of force or intimidation.
Trump’s New Ultimatum
Trump issued a fresh ultimatum to Tehran, saying he was at the decision-making stage regarding war with Iran and warning that “very big things” would happen in the near future. In an interview with Fox News, he said he could “wipe out” Iran, destroy it economically, or reach a diplomatic agreement with it. He added: “My question is, if and when do I destroy the whole nation? They better get their act together.”
On Thursday as well, Trump had said he was weighing whether to go in and completely destroy the Iranian government or not, adding that “anything could happen” with them.
Background
These statements come as Iran has reportedly conveyed its conditions for reopening the Strait of Hormuz to Washington through mediators, while the US and its allies prepare to resume military action against Tehran. President Pezeshkian is expected to travel to New York this week to attend the UN General Assembly session, accompanied by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and other senior officials. The Trump administration has said a core delegation of Iranian officials will be permitted to attend the high-level UN session, and Trump has hinted he may be open to meeting Pezeshkian on the sidelines of the gathering.
Notably, in April, Trump had also warned that “an entire civilization” could be wiped out unless something “revolutionary” happened.