US President Donald Trump has warned that American forces remain ready to launch further strikes against Iran, saying he will soon decide whether to intensify
military action even as diplomatic efforts continue and Tehran reportedly submits a fresh nuclear proposal through Qatar. Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office on Thursday, November 5, Trump said the US military was producing weapons at an unprecedented rate and remained prepared for another operation. “We're building more weapons right now in our military than we've ever built before,” Trump said. “If we have to do the rest of the Iran thing, we're very much locked and loaded.” Asked about reports that Iran was considering a new proposal to curb its nuclear programme, Trump insisted Tehran could not act without Washington's consent. “They’re not doing anything without our approval… It doesn’t make a difference what they’re looking at. They’re not going to have a nuclear weapon,” he said. Trump said his administration would decide whether further action was necessary to ensure Iran could never rebuild its nuclear capabilities. He added that he would prefer to avoid further destruction but had not ruled it out. “I would rather not destroy the rest of the country if possible, but maybe I will have to. You will know soon enough,” he said. Trump also sought to distinguish the confrontation with Iran from the war between Russia and Ukraine, claiming that there had been no deaths in the Iran conflict for six or seven months, while alleging that around 25,000 people were being killed each month in Ukraine. He argued that the situation with Iran should not be described as a conventional war. Trump Defends Iran War After Republican Midterm Losses The president's remarks came after Republicans suffered major losses in the November 3 midterm elections, with Democrats winning control of Congress. Vice President JD Vance attributed the Republican setback partly to the Iran war and its impact on fuel prices and household costs. Trump acknowledged that the conflict had contributed to higher petrol prices but defended the decision to launch military action, saying he would do it again if faced with the same circumstances. He argued that preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon was essential. Iran Sends Nuclear Proposal Through Qatar Meanwhile, Reuters reported on Thursday, citing two people familiar with the matter, that Iran had sent a proposal concerning its nuclear programme to the United States through Qatar. The proposal was reportedly separate from the broader conditions of a potential peace agreement, with its progress linked to the acceptance of the remaining seven conditions Tehran has put forward. Asked about the reported proposal, Trump offered no details and maintained that Iran could not take nuclear-related decisions without US approval. The latest exchanges leave Washington pursuing diplomacy while keeping the possibility of renewed military action open.
