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US-Iran tensions intensify as Washington reportedly weighs new military options against Tehran. (Images: X)
Washington DC: US President Donald Trump has signalled that a new development in Washington's standoff with Tehran could come soon, saying the United States is not currently negotiating with Iran and that events will move forward “one way or the other.” His remarks come amid reports of preparations for potential fresh US-Israeli military strikes and growing warnings from Tehran.
Trump offered no clear timeline or details about what Washington might do next. His comments have added to uncertainty over whether the confrontation will return to the negotiating table or escalate into another round of military action.
Asked whether negotiations with Iran were continuing, Trump acknowledged limited activity, but left the status of diplomatic contacts unclear. “A little bit, but we will see what happens,” he said. When asked whether he had finished negotiating with the Iranian government, Trump responded that the United States was not negotiating and predicted that something would happen “fairly soon.” He also suggested that some observers expected a major development after the US midterm elections.
Trump praised his administration's handling of Iran, describing its approach as highly effective. He argued that American sanctions had undermined Tehran's position and claimed that Washington was performing strongly on both military and economic fronts. However, the president did not identify a specific military operation, announce a decision to launch strikes or explain what development he expected in the coming weeks.
The comments come amid a report by The New York Times that the US and Israeli militaries have drawn up plans for a potential new operation against Iran following the American midterm elections. According to the report, the proposed operation could involve an intensive campaign targeting Iranian energy infrastructure, nuclear facilities and missile and drone capabilities. The report cited US officials and others briefed on the discussions.
It also described increased military preparations, including exercises intended to practise strike manoeuvres over Iraq. US War Secretary Pete Hegseth reportedly met Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Israel this week to discuss the possibility of renewed attacks. Some American officials believe additional military pressure could severely damage Iran's economy and encourage Tehran to make concessions in diplomatic negotiations.
These reported plans do not establish that a final decision to attack has been made. The timing and scope of any potential operation remain uncertain.
Tehran has warned that any renewed military action would trigger a response. An Iranian military spokesperson has also issued a striking warning about a weapon that Tehran has described as the “Father of All Bombs.” According to Iran's state-affiliated Student News Network (SNN), Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps spokesperson Hossein Mohebbi said the United States had the “Mother of All Bombs” and claimed Iran would reveal something new in response.
Iran has not released technical details about the weapon or independently clarified what the statement refers to. It remains unclear whether the description concerns an existing capability, a proposed weapon or rhetoric intended to deter further attacks. The warning follows reports that Trump has considered deploying the US GBU-43/B Massive Ordnance Air Blast (MOAB), a conventional bomb weighing approximately 22,000 pounds and commonly known as the “Mother of All Bombs.” Reports have linked the possibility to Iran's deeply buried Pickaxe Mountain nuclear facility. There has been no confirmed announcement that the weapon will be used against Iran.
The New York Times report also described preparations for a substantial American military deployment expected to be in place by early November. The reported force could include three aircraft carriers, thousands of Marines, fighter aircraft and Special Operations personnel. Political considerations may influence the timing of any decision. According to the report, Trump's earlier pledge not to attack Iran before the US midterm elections is among the factors being considered.
The reported deployment and operational planning point to heightened military readiness, but they do not by themselves confirm that strikes are imminent.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has acknowledged the pressure facing his government as tensions with Washington continue. Addressing Iran's parliament, Pezeshkian said an earlier memorandum of understanding had offered a positive path forward, but described the current situation as damaging for Iran, the wider region and the international community. He also argued that Tehran had withstood American pressure and conflict and would continue to resist.
Separately, Iran's representative to the United Nations alleged, according to SNN, that Starlink had been used to identify targets during military attacks against Iran and that the country's space and scientific infrastructure had come under attack. These allegations have not been independently established in the information available.
The reported military planning is unfolding alongside disagreements over Iran's nuclear programme and control of the strategically important Strait of Hormuz. According to The New York Times, Washington is seeking to use the possibility of renewed military action as leverage to secure concessions from Tehran. Iranian negotiators, however, have resisted making immediate concessions on the nuclear issue and have reportedly argued that it should be addressed later in the talks.
The Strait of Hormuz is a critical route for global energy shipments, making any escalation between the two countries a concern well beyond West Asia. For now, Trump's remarks have left the next step unclear. With military preparations reportedly advancing and both sides issuing warnings. The central question is whether Washington will use the threat of force to press for a diplomatic breakthrough or move towards another confrontation with Iran.
