Trump weighs action on Iran and claims Houthi pact as Tehran enters Code 100 alert

Fox News remarks and Houthi contacts

On 20 September 2026, US President Donald Trump stated in an interview with Fox News that he is currently in a decision-making phase regarding military actions involving Iran. According to reporting by Fox News correspondent Trey Yingst, Trump affirmed that Washington maintains permanent contact with Yemen's Houthi rebels, who have agreed to refrain from attacking American targets. When addressing policy toward Tehran, Trump outlined three specific courses under consideration: completely eliminating the country, leaving it to rot economically, or negotiating a formal agreement, forecasting that significant developments will occur in the near future.

My question is if and when I blow up the whole country. It would be good for them to behave properly.

Iranian military alert and threats of retaliation

Following reports of potential American operations, Iranian state television announced that the central command of the Islamic Republic of Iran Armed Forces and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) were placed on their highest level of military readiness, designated as "Code 100." This status is activated when Iranian military leadership assesses that an adversary strike is imminent. Iranian military authorities declared that any attack will be answered with continuous strikes against American military bases in the region, while any Middle Eastern state supporting the operation will be treated as an active participant. The military posture was first detected by US Central Command (CENTCOM) before being publicized as pressure against Washington.

Camp David deliberations and Cairo diplomatic talks

The public exchanges followed weekend deliberations at Camp David, where CNN National Security Analyst Alex Plitsas reported that Trump evaluated air strike options against Ansar Allah forces led by Abdul-Malik al-Houthi before altering his schedule to return urgently to the White House. Simultaneously, CIA Director John Ratcliffe traveled to Cairo for talks with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and Egyptian General Intelligence Directorate Chief Hassan Rashad. Their discussions focused on maritime navigation security in the Persian Gulf, military confrontations between the US and Iran, and ongoing conflicts in the Gaza Strip and Sudan. Sisi emphasized the necessity of resolving regional crises through political means, while Ratcliffe commended Egypt's role in advancing peaceful settlements.

Diplomatic openings and travel warnings

Ahead of the United Nations General Assembly convening on 21 September 2026 in New York, Trump indicated potential receptivity to diplomatic dialogue, remarking that he would be open to meeting Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. Concurrently, the US Department of State urged American citizens to avoid travel to the Middle East, citing the threat of rapid escalation following Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia. US diplomatic missions across the Middle East issued security warnings regarding potential retaliation, while reporting by Axios indicated that Washington declined a Saudi Arabian request for military assistance.