President Donald Trump said on November 5 that he might unleash fresh attacks on Iran despite attempts by mediators to secure a nuclear agreement and Tehran’s insistence on being granted concessions.
“I would rather not destroy the rest of the country if possible, but maybe I’ll have to. You’ll know soon enough,” Trump told reporters in the Oval Office.
A U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor assigned to the 90th Fighter Squadron soars over Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson during ARCTIC EDGE 2025 (AE25), Aug. 18, 2025. AE25 provided Special Operations Command North the opportunity to test a range of capabilities and response options to deter, disrupt, degrade, and deny competitor activity in the Arctic in support of globally integrated layered defense of the homeland. AE25 is a NORAD and U.S. Northern Command-led homeland defense exercise designed to improve readiness, demonstrate capabilities, and enhance Joint and Allied Force interoperability in the Arctic. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Gracelyn Hess)
A U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor, flown by Capt. Samuel “Razz” Larson, F-22 Raptor Demonstration Team pilot, deploys flares over the Gulf of Mexico during the 2024 Gulf Coast Salute Air Show at Panama City Beach, Florida, May 4. The F-22’s unique combination of stealth, speed, agility and situational awareness, combined with lethal long-range air-to-air and air-to-ground weaponry, makes it one of the most advanced fighters in the world. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Stefan Alvarez)
However, on Friday he spoke with Qatar’s emir regarding attempts to calm the situation.
Trump remains noncommittal about his precise course of action. “They’re not doing anything without our approval,” he said of proposals to address Iran’s nuclear program.
“It doesn’t make a difference what they’re looking at. They’re not going to have a nuclear weapon,” The Times of Israel quoted him as saying.
When quizzed by reporters on November 2, over whether he was considering striking Iran after the midterms, Trump replied, “No.”
“We’re having discussions, and we’ll see how that all works out,” he told the Financial Times earlier this week.
Qatar Interested in Brokering Proposal
Sheik Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the emir of Qatar, spoke to Trump on November 6 in a phone call.
In the conversation, the royal stressed that talks should be held, there should be no escalation, ships should be able to pass through the waters, and energy security should be ensured, the Qatar News Agency reported.
Qatari Prime Minister Sheik Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani also discussed regional tensions with Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, a statement from the Foreign Ministry said.
U.S. Air Force Maj. Joshua “Cabo” Gunderson, F-22 Raptor Demonstration team pilot and commander, prepares to take off in a U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor assigned to the 90th Fighter Squadron over Joint Base Elmendorf Richardson, Alaska, July 9, 2020, as part of JBER Salutes, a two-day event to show appreciation to service members and nearly 100 Anchorage-area “COVID Heroes” and their guests. The service members and COVID Heroes, nominated for their support to the community during the COVID-19 pandemic, toured various areas of the installation, viewed exhibits and static displays of aircraft, and watched demonstrations by Explosive Ordnance Disposal, military working dog teams, and Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear experts. (U.S. Air Force photo by Alejandro Peña)
“There is always a glimmer of hope, and we can’t lose the glimmer of hope,” Qatari Foreign Ministry Spokesman Majed al-Ansari said in a briefing on November 3.
Tehran Demands Concessions
A senior Iranian official told Reuters on November 5 that Tehran had sent over a nuclear proposal via Qatar and the U.S. was considering the offer.
Iran is seeking the removal of sanctions, release of frozen assets, and reparations for the war, while the U.S. wants to include nuclear issues in early negotiations.
“As long as they do not execute our seven conditions, we will neither open the Strait of Hormuz nor have negotiations,” the regime’s security chief, Mohsen Rezaei, said during a visit to Russia. Rezaei is currently subject to an Interpol Red Notice due to claims he was linked to a 1994 attack on a Jewish community center in Buenos Aires.
Trump, however, told the Financial Times on November 3: “We seem to be getting everything we want.”
Could U.S. Launch More Strikes?
The New York Times reported in October that fresh strikes on Iran could unfold following the midterms. The Times said the U.S. and Israel were preparing for a “short but intensive operation” assault, but noted that it was unclear if Trump would greenlight the plans.
A U.S. official told Reuters that U.S. forces launched attacks on surface-to-air missiles on Qeshm Island earlier this week. Another official said it was not a sign of a return to large-scale combat.
A U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor assigned to Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, takes off during Checkered Flag 23-1 at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, Nov. 4, 2022. Checkered Flag is a large-force aerial exercise which fosters readiness and interoperability through the incorporation of 4th and 5th-generation aircraft during air-to-air combat training. The 23-1 iteration of the exercise was held Oct. 31 – Nov. 10, 2022. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Betty R. Chevalier)
“The enemy seeks to force the Iranian nation into submission through threats and military action, but they are sorely mistaken; Iran will not submit,” Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf said on November 3.
‘Strategic Dilemma’
Former Pentagon official Dana Stroul said it was unclear why there would be a return to war. Stroul told The New York Times that neither Trump nor Netanyahu “has made a compelling case for how more war would change this strategic dilemma.”
On Wednesday, Trump admitted that the war had hurt Republicans in the midterms.
“Well, I think it’s largely true, because it drove the gasoline up a little bit, short term,” Trump explained.
“But at the same time, if I had it to do again, I’d have to do it again because long term, it’s the only answer. You can’t let Iran have a nuclear weapon,” he continued.
However, he did not totally dismiss Vice President JD Vance’s comments.
“Well, I knew the war was going to impact it, but whether it impacted or not, Iran can’t have a nuclear weapon.”
Trump also dismissed suggestions that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth would be replaced. “No, I think he’s doing a very good job.”
“I mean, I thought the oil would go up a lot more, and I did it on that basis.”
About the Author: Georgia Gilholy
Georgia Gilholy is a journalist based in the United Kingdom who has been published in Newsweek, The Times of Israel, and the Spectator. Gilholy writes about international politics, culture, and education.
