Trump weighs military strike or deal with Iran ahead of UN General Assembly

Strategic options outlined by the White House

In a telephone conversation with Fox News correspondent Trey Yingst on 20 September 2026, US President Donald Trump stated that he is currently in decision mode concerning the trajectory of the war with Iran. Trump identified three specific policy options under active consideration: launching destructive military strikes to erase the country, leaving the Iranian economy to deteriorate further, or negotiating a formal settlement. The remarks follow statements Trump made to Axios on Thursday, where he noted that he was weighing whether to enter and eliminate the Iranian government while observing that any outcome remains possible. Trump has previously warned of targeted attacks on Iranian infrastructure, including electrical power stations and bridges, to dismantle the country or its civilization.

My question is: whether and when I blow this whole country up? Better behave.

Potential diplomatic contacts in New York

The public statements precede the United Nations General Assembly general debate in New York, where Iranian officials plan to participate in diplomatic proceedings. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian will lead Tehran's delegation alongside Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. When asked directly whether he would participate in a bilateral meeting with Pezeshkian during the event, Trump stated that he would probably be open to holding discussions. Official schedules for the New York summit currently confirm meetings between Trump and Venezuelan acting president Delcy Rodriguez, British Prime Minister Andy Burnham, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, alongside leaders from Persian Gulf states. This arrangement indicates that American officials may conduct diplomatic discussions while simultaneously preserving military pressure on Tehran.

Ceasefire terms and conflict milestones

The broader conflict between Washington, its allies, and Tehran began on 28 February 2026 with coordinated American and Israeli strikes on targets inside Iran. Tehran responded by launching military strikes against targets in Israel, United States military bases in the Middle East, and neighbouring Persian Gulf countries. A temporary ceasefire agreed upon in June 2026 paused large-scale combat but failed to establish a permanent cessation of hostilities. On 19 September 2026, Iranian officials communicated three mandatory prerequisites to international mediators for entering negotiations, demanding an immediate end to the war across all operational fronts, the unfreezing of blocked Iranian financial assets, and the complete removal of the maritime blockade.

Regional military alerts and security warnings

The armed forces command in Tehran stated that it holds intelligence regarding preparations by the United States to resume active combat operations. Iranian military leaders warned that their armed forces stand prepared to strike American military installations across the region, while issuing direct warnings to Persian Gulf states against providing logistical or operational assistance to Washington. In response to heightened tensions, the US State Department issued security advisories to American citizens residing across the Middle East, instructing them to exercise elevated vigilance and prepare for potential transit disruptions caused by Iranian-backed Houthi rebel strikes against Saudi Arabia. Trump returned to Washington from Camp David on Saturday evening ahead of schedule, accompanied by golfers Gary Player and Bryson DeChambeau, before travelling to his golf club in Sterling, Virginia, on Sunday morning.