Trump Says He May Have to Destroy “What Remains” of Iran

President Donald Trump renewed his threats against Iran on Thursday, Nov. 5, saying he would prefer to avoid another offensive but might have to destroy what remains of the country. His remarks came as mediators put forward proposals for an agreement involving Iran’s nuclear program.

“I would rather not destroy what remains of the country, if possible, but maybe I’ll have to. You’ll know soon,” Trump said. He also asserted that Iran could take no action on its nuclear program without U.S. approval, as negotiations over the future of the program continue amid U.S. threats of further military action.

The warning followed Trump’s acknowledgment a day earlier that the war with Iran contributed to Republican losses in the Nov. 3 midterm elections. Democrats won majorities in both the House of Representatives and the Senate, a result described in U.S. media as a “blue wave.” On Nov. 4, Trump said the conflict, particularly its economic effects, had influenced Republican performance. He nevertheless defended launching the offensive, saying the United States could not allow Iran to develop a nuclear weapon.

The war, launched by the United States and Israel on Feb. 28, has driven up fuel prices and added to the cost of living in the United States. Estimates from Pentagon sources suggested the conflict may have cost the U.S. government as much as $100 billion. A Reuters/Ipsos poll released the day before the midterms found that 48% of voters identified the cost of living as their top concern when voting.

The poll also reflected opposition to the military operation: 55% of respondents said the action against Iran was not worth the cost, while 25% said it was worth it. Another 18% were unsure. Trump has defended the offensive as necessary to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons. Despite his statements about a possible end to the conflict and an unsuccessful cease-fire effort, the war is continuing.