Trump threatens further destruction of Iran as divisions deepen within administration
US President Donald Trump has warned that Iran could face further destruction if Washington decides to resume military operations, as divisions within his administration over the conflict deepen following the Republicans’ midterm election defeat.
“I would rather not destroy the rest of the country, if possible, but maybe I’ll have to. And you’ll know soon enough,” Trump told reporters Thursday at the White House, signalling that further military action remains under consideration.
Trump said Washington would decide whether additional measures were necessary to ensure Iran could never again pursue the objectives targeted by the US-Israeli military campaign, which began in February.
He estimated that Iran could need 25 years to rebuild following the war. Asked about reports that Tehran had submitted proposals concerning its nuclear programme through mediators, Trump insisted that Iran was not acting without Washington’s approval.
Vance pushes for negotiations as Netanyahu faces criticism
The president’s latest remarks come amid growing disagreements among senior administration officials over the future of the conflict.
Vice President JD Vance has reportedly urged Trump to pursue diplomatic negotiations with Tehran, privately criticising Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s approach to Iran, according to Axios.
Vance reportedly told the president that Netanyahu had been wrong on key aspects of the conflict and warned that continuing the war could carry serious political consequences for Republicans.
The Wall Street Journal separately reported that Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and other senior officials have favoured diplomatic efforts, while Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has supported continuing the military campaign.
According to the reports, Netanyahu also pressed Trump to authorise renewed strikes against Iran before the midterm elections. Trump reportedly considered the proposal but decided to postpone further action until after the vote.
Vance links election defeat to Iran war
The disagreements became more visible after Democrats secured control of both chambers of Congress in Tuesday’s midterm elections.
Vance publicly attributed the Republican defeat to the Iran war, writing on social media: “The reason we lost is the war.”
He also pointed to rising living costs, dissatisfaction with foreign policy and concerns over Washington’s relationship with Israel as factors behind the loss of support among Republican voters.
Trump subsequently acknowledged that the conflict had contributed to the electoral setback, particularly through its impact on fuel prices, while defending the military campaign as necessary to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.
According to the Wall Street Journal, senior administration officials had previously discussed the domestic political consequences of the conflict during a September meeting at the White House Situation Room.
The newspaper reported that officials were concerned that publicly acknowledging continuing US military strikes could damage Republican candidates in competitive races. US forces subsequently carried out limited defensive strikes against Iranian missile launchers and other military equipment without prominently publicising the operations, according to the report.
Military preparations continue as diplomatic options remain open
Despite the internal disagreements, the Pentagon has continued preparing for a possible resumption of major military operations against Iran.
The Wall Street Journal reported that an additional aircraft carrier strike group and a Marine expeditionary unit were moving towards the Middle East, potentially bringing thousands of additional US personnel into the region.
Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts are continuing. According to Axios, Qatari mediators have been working on a draft agreement aimed at preventing renewed fighting and potentially opening the way for direct negotiations between Washington and Tehran.
Other administration officials, including CIA Director John Ratcliffe and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, reportedly favour maintaining the naval blockade and economic pressure on Iran while seeking further concessions.
The options under consideration include renewed military strikes, a negotiated agreement or continued economic and military pressure without immediately restarting large-scale combat operations.
Trump backs Hegseth despite criticism
Amid the debate over Iran, Trump has also reaffirmed his support for Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, dismissing speculation that he could be replaced despite receiving calls from people questioning the secretary’s leadership.
“I have every intention to keep him,” Trump told ABC News on Thursday.
The president acknowledged receiving criticism of Hegseth but questioned the reasons behind it, reiterating his earlier assessment that the defence secretary was doing a very good job.
Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell also defended Hegseth, saying he remained fully committed to leading the department until the end of Trump's presidential term.
The competing positions within the administration highlight the growing pressure on Trump to balance military objectives, diplomatic negotiations and domestic political considerations as Democrats prepare to take control of Congress in January.
Source:AA
