President Donald Trump said he faces a significant decision about whether to resume large-scale military operations against Iran as regional tensions persist.
Trump revealed the potential turning point before a scheduled meeting with leaders from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait and Oman at the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Tuesday. The president said he wants to understand where the Gulf governments stand on the conflict before determining the administration’s next course of action.
What Comes Next
“I have a big decision coming up,” Trump told Axios while framing the choice as whether to “go in and annihilate” the Iranian regime or refrain from launching another major offensive. Trump declined to say whether he expects to make the determination before or after the November midterm elections.
The Gulf nations could play an essential role in any renewed American military campaign because their territory, airspace, energy facilities and military installations could face Iranian retaliation. Saudi Arabia and Qatar reportedly expressed concern in August that Iran could attack regional oil and natural-gas infrastructure if the United States resumed full-scale combat operations.
Trump subsequently held back from launching another major offensive while suspending negotiations with Tehran, expanding economic sanctions and continuing a naval blockade aimed at Iranian ports. American forces have also concentrated on reopening the Strait of Hormuz and increasing the movement of oil and gas tankers through one of the world’s most important energy corridors.
Military Positioning
Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth have ordered the military to maintain its current force levels in the Middle East through the end of the year, according to United States officials cited by Axios. That positioning would allow the military to respond quickly if Trump authorizes renewed operations.
Officials reportedly believe the current holding pattern cannot continue indefinitely without a clearly defined objective. Traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has increased under the American military effort but remains below prewar levels, contributing to continued pressure on international oil markets and fuel prices.
Vance on Future Phases
Vice President JD Vance said the U.S. conflict with Iran could enter a “much different phase” within the next several months as the Trump administration attempts to prevent Tehran from rebuilding its military capabilities while restoring stability around the Strait of Hormuz. “We can’t predict the future, but I think the president is right to say that this thing will enter a much different phase in a couple of months,” Vance told the New York Post aboard Air Force Two.
Vance described the conflict as unfolding in two distinct phases, with the initial phase focused on destroying or seriously degrading Iran’s nuclear program, conventional military capabilities, and ability to project power throughout the region. Trump predicted that the war could end “immediately after” the November midterm elections, although neither official offered a detailed timetable.
