President Donald Trump warned that the Iran war could conclude either peacefully or through further escalation.
Trump spoke Tuesday at Sparrows Point in Maryland and said Iran's military had been severely weakened. "It's shot; the whole place is shot," he said.
The President said the U.S. was doing "extremely well" in the war and called Iran the "bully of the Middle East."
"They're not so much the bully anymore, but we have to finish up," said Trump.
He added, "It's only a question of which way do we want to do it, the nice way or the not-so-nice way? And pretty soon you'll find out."
Iran Warns as US Buildup Grows
Earlier this month, Iran warned of a more severe military response to any future U.S. attack as the Pentagon reportedly prepares to deploy 9,000–10,000 additional troops to the Middle East. The buildup includes a third aircraft-carrier strike group, warships, fighter jets and a Marine expeditionary unit, with forces expected to arrive by the end of November.
In September, Trump rejected Iran's seven-day ceasefire offer, reportedly citing doubts over Tehran's willingness to meet U.S. demands. He told aides that renewed bombing of Iran after the November midterm elections is a likely scenario, though his position could change.
Iran had offered to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and resume nuclear talks in exchange for the U.S. lifting its economic blockade. The scale of any renewed strikes remains unclear, with Trump also reportedly seeking to conserve U.S. munitions.
Meanwhile, Vice President JD Vance said Iran must take "meaningful" steps and demonstrate its commitment to reducing its uranium-enrichment capacity as Washington seeks to end the seven-month war. He argued that assurances alone are insufficient, questioning why Tehran would need 60% enriched uranium if it does not intend to build a nuclear weapon.
