'You'll know soon enough': Trump leaves door open to devastating new Iran strikes

What Happened

US President Donald Trump said on Thursday that Iran 'was largely destroyed' and that rebuilding would take 'more than two decades,' while refusing to rule out further strikes: 'I would rather not destroy the rest of the country if possible, but maybe I'll have to. You'll know soon enough.' The remarks followed US strikes on Iran's Qeshm Island after Iran claimed to have downed an American drone, a US official confirmed to The Jerusalem Post on Monday. The New York Times reported in October that American and Israeli militaries had drawn detailed plans for renewed strikes on Iran after the November 3 midterm elections; Trump gave conflicting signals, saying 'No' on Monday when asked if he was considering striking Iran after the midterms, and telling the Financial Times on Tuesday there was no immediate plan to renew strikes. On Wednesday he said the war had raised fuel prices and hurt Republicans in the midterms, but insisted he had no choice and that 'Iran cannot be allowed to obtain a nuclear weapon.'

Key Actors

Why It Matters

Trump's comments keep open the possibility of further US military action against Iran even as he says indirect negotiations are progressing. The admission that the war raised fuel prices and hurt Republicans in the midterms links the conflict to US domestic politics, while the stated red line—preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon—frames any future strikes as part of a broader containment strategy.

Watch For

Watch whether Trump follows through on renewed strikes after saying 'You'll know soon enough,' and whether the US and Israel execute the reported post-midterm plans. Monitor any new US military activity around Qeshm Island or the Strait of Hormuz, and track the indirect negotiations with Tehran, including whether Trump's claim of getting 'everything we want' is reflected in a formal agreement or further sanctions relief.