US President Donald Trump has signalled that his administration is weighing a major escalation in its confrontation with Iran, warning that “very big things” could happen if Tehran refuses to meet Washington’s demands.
Trump’s latest warning came as Iran threatened painful retaliation against the United States and countries in the Middle East that it believes could support further American action, raising fresh concerns that the conflict could spread across the region.
Speaking to Fox News correspondent Trey Yingst, Trump said he was in a “deciding mode” over the conflict and presented three broad options: reaching a deal with Tehran, allowing Iran’s economy to deteriorate under pressure, or taking military action against the country.
“My question is, if and when do I blow the entire nation up? They better behave,” Trump was quoted as saying.
The comments, reported by The Independent, came amid renewed tensions around the Strait of Hormuz, a vital international shipping route whose disruption has already begun affecting regional energy and trade activities.
Iran has warned that any fresh US attack would trigger sustained retaliation against American interests and could draw countries supporting Washington into the conflict.
The warning has added pressure on governments across the Middle East as Washington continues to assess its next move and Iran maintains that it is prepared to respond to further military action.
The United States has also issued a security alert to its citizens in the region, warning that hostilities involving Saudi Arabia and Iran-backed Houthi forces in Yemen could escalate rapidly, with possible disruptions to travel.
The regional tensions intensified after a Houthi attack targeted Riyadh, with Saudi authorities reporting that the missile was intercepted. Several Arab and Muslim countries subsequently condemned the attack and expressed support for Saudi Arabia.
Meanwhile, the economic consequences of the confrontation are becoming increasingly visible. QatarEnergy chief executive Saad al-Kaabi said the Strait of Hormuz crisis could delay some expansion projects because critical equipment was unable to reach Qatar.
He also disclosed that QatarEnergy was currently producing only a very small volume of liquefied natural gas, while major North Field expansion projects are scheduled to begin production in the coming years.
Despite the escalating rhetoric, Washington has continued to leave the door open to diplomacy. US envoy to the United Nations Mike Waltz said the United States remained prepared to negotiate if Iran returned to talks in good faith.
The possibility of diplomacy could receive renewed attention as world leaders gather in New York for the United Nations General Assembly, with Trump indicating that he would be open to meeting Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.
At the same time, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said they had shot down another US MQ-1 drone over the Strait of Hormuz, adding a fresh military dimension to the confrontation.
With threats from both sides, growing pressure around the Strait of Hormuz and the possibility of renewed negotiations, the next decisions by Washington and Tehran could determine whether the conflict moves towards diplomacy or another phase of military escalation.
