‘I’d Rather Not Destroy the Rest’: Trump’s Fresh Warning Puts Iran on Alert

US President Donald Trump has issued a fresh warning to Iran, threatening further military action while saying he would prefer to avoid additional destruction. His remarks come amid continuing diplomatic efforts to end the eight-month conflict, growing pressure on his administration following Republican losses in the US midterm elections and renewed tensions around the strategically important Strait of Hormuz.

Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office on Thursday, Trump said Washington could take further action against Iran if necessary.

“I would rather not destroy the rest of the country if possible, but maybe I’ll have to. You will know soon enough,” he said.

On Iran's nuclear programme, Trump asserted that Tehran could not proceed without Washington's approval. “They're not doing anything without our approval,” he said, signalling that the US intends to retain a decisive say in any future arrangement concerning Iran's nuclear activities.

Iran Sends Fresh Nuclear Proposal to US Through Qatar

Even as Trump keeps the possibility of renewed military action open, diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalation are continuing.

Iran has sent a fresh proposal concerning its nuclear programme to the United States through Qatar, a senior Iranian official told Reuters on Thursday. Washington is reviewing the proposal, although the official did not disclose its details.

Tehran has said discussions can move forward only after the US meets seven conditions set by Iran. These reportedly include lifting American sanctions, releasing frozen Iranian assets and paying war reparations.

Iran's top security official, Mohsen Rezaei, said Tehran would neither negotiate nor reopen the Strait of Hormuz until its conditions were met. Washington, meanwhile, has insisted that Iran's nuclear programme must be included in any initial negotiations.

The latest proposal follows indirect discussions involving Qatari mediators. Earlier negotiations in Doha ended without a breakthrough, although both sides continued exchanging proposals through intermediaries.

Strait of Hormuz Tensions Add to Regional Uncertainty

The Strait of Hormuz remains a major point of contention between Washington and Tehran. The vital shipping route is central to global energy supplies, and its disruption has contributed to concerns over oil prices and international trade.

Iran has linked the reopening of the strait to US concessions, including sanctions relief and changes to the American naval blockade of Iranian ports.

Security incidents have added to the uncertainty. On November 4, two unidentified projectiles reportedly struck a tanker off the coast of Qatar. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has also claimed that vessels attempting to cross the strait struck naval mines. These claims have heightened concerns over the safety of commercial shipping in the region.

The conflict has also spread beyond Iran, with tensions involving Israel, Lebanon and Yemen. Iran-aligned Houthi rebels have carried out attacks on targets in the region, while Saudi Arabia has also faced strikes on energy facilities and other sites.

US Strikes and Fresh Sanctions Keep Pressure on Tehran

Military activity has continued despite diplomatic contacts. On November 2, US forces carried out strikes against Iranian air-defence positions on Qeshm Island after the sites allegedly targeted American air assets. The operation underscored the risk of renewed escalation even as mediators continued efforts to secure an agreement.

Washington has also intensified economic pressure. On November 5, the US Treasury Department imposed sanctions on Indian and Turkish entities and individuals it accused of helping Iran evade existing restrictions.

These developments come as the Trump administration faces questions over its strategy in the conflict and the potential economic consequences of a prolonged confrontation.

Midterm Setback Adds to Trump's Iran War Challenges

Trump is facing mounting domestic pressure following the Republican Party's losses in the US midterm elections. Voter dissatisfaction over the eight-month conflict and concerns about rising fuel prices have emerged as factors in the Democrats' gains.

Before the elections, Trump had repeatedly threatened to resume large-scale strikes if Tehran failed to accept a settlement on terms considered acceptable to Washington.

The political setback has added to the pressure on the President to decide whether to pursue a diplomatic agreement or intensify military operations. The possibility of further strikes also raises concerns about energy supplies, regional security and the risk of the conflict spreading.

For now, Iran's latest proposal is under review by Washington, while Tehran continues to link negotiations and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to its demands. Trump's latest warning suggests that, despite ongoing diplomatic efforts, the prospect of renewed military action remains on the table.