Reported by:
Cherry Meigh Timbol
News Content Editor
Published October 26, 2026
President Donald Trump says he is approaching a decision on whether to pursue an agreement with Iran or launch another round of military strikes, as U.S. military planners reportedly prepare additional options amid stalled negotiations and escalating threats between Washington and Tehran.
In a televised interview on Fox News’ Sunday Morning Futures on October 25, Trump framed the decision in stark terms, asking whether he should make a deal with Iran or “finish them off.” He said the time for a decision was approaching but did not announce a new military operation.
U.S. Military Prepares Additional Strike Options
According to reports by The Hill and The New York Times cited in recent coverage, U.S. Central Command has prepared potential strike plans for consideration by the president. The options reportedly include targets beyond those attacked during previous U.S. operations.
Military planners have also considered strikes against Iranian energy infrastructure and other economically significant facilities, according to the reports. The plans are options under consideration, not confirmation that an attack has been authorized.
The preparations follow earlier reporting that senior U.S. defense and national security officials had developed several possible courses of action as Trump assessed whether to resume major combat operations.
ABC News reported on October 17 that the administration had considered a range of military options, including the Massive Ordnance Air Blast bomb, commonly known as the MOAB. At that time, officials said Trump had not made a final decision.
Strait of Hormuz and Economic Pressure
Trump has also pointed to U.S. military pressure and restrictions on Iranian oil exports as leverage in negotiations. The Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global oil shipments, remains central to the confrontation.
Washington’s pressure campaign is intended to limit Tehran’s economic resources while seeking concessions on Iran’s nuclear program. However, the effects of the restrictions and the extent to which they may influence Iran’s negotiating position remain subjects of debate.
The dispute has implications for international energy markets because renewed fighting could disrupt oil shipments and increase uncertainty over supplies and transportation costs.
Iran Warns Against Further Attacks
Iranian officials have warned that renewed U.S. military action would trigger retaliation.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said another American attack would not force Tehran to make concessions. Parliamentary Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf also warned that Iran would respond to violations of its territory.
The opposing positions leave the two countries facing a choice between continued negotiations and a possible return to expanded military operations. Any further strikes could also expose U.S. personnel, regional military installations and commercial shipping to retaliatory action.
Nuclear Dispute Remains Central
Trump has repeatedly demanded an agreement that prevents Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. He has also expressed doubts about whether Tehran can be trusted to comply with a new agreement.
The administration continues to monitor Iranian nuclear-related facilities, including the fortified Pickaxe Mountain complex, according to Trump’s recent public remarks. The president has claimed that previous U.S. strikes severely damaged Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, although the precise extent of the damage and the status of all relevant facilities remain important questions.
The nuclear dispute is part of a broader confrontation involving sanctions, maritime security, military deployments and competing demands over the terms of a settlement.
No New Strike Announced
Despite the reported military preparations and Trump’s latest comments, the reports published on October 25 did not establish that he had authorized another round of strikes.
The administration’s immediate course remains tied to Trump’s decision on whether negotiations can produce an agreement acceptable to Washington. Iran, meanwhile, continues to reject the prospect of being forced into concessions through military threats.
The situation remains uncertain as both governments maintain their opposing positions and the United States retains military options for possible future operations.
