Trump says US ready to hit Iran's nuclear program 'in ten minutes' after speaking with Netanyahu

What Happened

US President Donald Trump said overnight on Sunday that the United States has a plan to strike what remains of Iran's nuclear program "in just ten minutes," naming "one or two sites" including "Pickaxe Mountain." He spoke after a phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, according to The Wall Street Journal, and after discussing military options with CENTCOM commander Admiral Brad Cooper, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Caine. Trump said negotiations with Iran "are moving along fine" but that Iran "is not really reliable." US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that if Trump wanted to act militarily he would have done so weeks or months ago, and stressed the United States possesses all necessary capabilities. The White House has reportedly delayed any operation until after the US midterm elections on Tuesday, November 3, unless it detects preparations for a surprise attack, according to defense officials. The Pentagon has reinforced air defense systems, ammunition, and equipment in the Middle East; ten US Air Force transport aircraft from Fort Bliss, Texas, arrived at IAF bases in southern Israel last week as part of a regional air convoy, with other aircraft landing in Jordan, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia, according to KAN News. An announcement published in Tehran said Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei ordered military commanders to prepare for an immediate and powerful response without geographical limits; Iranian Chief of Staff General Ali Abdollahi warned Iran has expanded its target list and will determine the end date of any new war. Two weeks ago, dozens of Israel Air Force fighter jets flew "as far as the Iranian border" in a practice sortie, according to Axios.

Key Actors

Why It Matters

This story signals a possible direct US military strike on Iran's nuclear program, with force movements already underway and Israel coordinating closely. The election timing injects domestic political calculation into a potential war decision, while Iran's expanded target list and no-geographic-limit threat raise the risk of a broader regional conflict involving ballistic missiles and proxies. The parallel diplomatic track remains unproven, making the period immediately after November 3 a critical decision point.

Watch For

Watch whether the White House orders strikes after the November 3 midterm elections; whether additional US carrier and Marine units arrive; whether Iranian negotiators sign or reject an agreement; and whether Iran moves forces or missile units in a way the US interprets as preparations for a surprise attack. Also watch for confirmation of the reported Israeli Air Force border practice sortie turning into operational activity and for any public announcements from Tehran on target lists.