Trump says US can hit remaining Iranian nuclear sites in ten minutes
The president made the claim after a phone call with Netanyahu and a strategy meeting with top military commanders, days before US midterm elections.
By Malik Salazar ·
Donald Trump said on Sunday that the United States could strike the remaining components of Iran's nuclear program in just ten minutes. The president addressed the possibility of an additional military operation overnight, stating that one or two sites, including the Pickaxe Mountain facility, still require action. "We have a plan for it, and we can execute it very quickly," he said.
This statement followed a phone conversation between Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The call occurred after Trump met with senior military leaders to discuss options for resuming operations. Those leaders included Central Command Admiral Brad Cooper, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and Joint Chiefs Chairman General Dan Caine.
Military preparations in the region have intensified in recent weeks. The Pentagon reinforced air defense systems and ammunition stocks while repositioning forces from bases vulnerable to Iranian retaliation. Last week, ten US Air Force transport aircraft arrived at bases in southern Israel. These planes departed from Fort Bliss in Texas and likely carried air defense equipment. Other aircraft in the same convoy landed in Jordan, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia.
Israeli defense officials described the posture as ambiguous, noting that the White House is offering Iran another chance to negotiate. Reports indicate that an additional US naval carrier and a Marine unit are expected to join forces in the region. Two weeks ago, dozens of Israeli fighter jets flew a practice sortie to the Iranian border before turning back.
Political timing is a major factor in the current standoff. Congressional midterm elections are scheduled for Tuesday, November 3. The ongoing conflict and rising fuel costs are weighing on Republican candidates. Defense officials assess that the White House will not order a strike before the election unless it detects preparations for a surprise Iranian attack.
Iran has responded with mixed signals. Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei ordered military commanders to prepare for a powerful response without geographical limits if another attack occurs. General Ali Abdollahi, the Iranian Chief of Staff, warned that Tehran expanded its list of potential targets and that it would determine the end date of any new war. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that if Trump intended to act militarily, he would have done so weeks or months ago, while confirming the US holds all necessary capabilities.
Negotiations and military readiness are proceeding in parallel. Trump characterized the diplomatic track as moving along fine but noted that Iran is not reliable. "They reach an agreement and then back out," he said. The next major political milestone is the election on November 3, after which the pressure for a decision on strikes may increase.
