Trump says he could strike Iran today, doesn't rule out 'beautiful deal'

Speaking to reporters in Florida on Saturday, Trump said there was a possibility of military action as well as a diplomatic agreement, without confirming whether he had made a final decision on further strikes.

In Short

• Donald Trump says the US could strike Iran as soon as Sunday
• He also leaves open the possibility of a big, beautiful deal with Tehran
• However, Trump has not announced a final decision

A day after threatening Tehran with "another little Epic Fury", US President Donald Trump said on Saturday that the US could strike Iran as soon as Sunday, October 25. At the same time, he left open the possibility of a peace deal amid pushback from the Islamic Republic.

Speaking to reporters in Florida after casting his ballot for the US midterm elections on Saturday, Trump said military action could take place soon but did not confirm whether he had made a final decision on further strikes. With India around 9.5 to 12.5 hours ahead of different US time zones, Trump's reference to "tomorrow" meant Sunday in India.

"Do you really think I'd tell you that? Maybe tomorrow... There's a possibility I will. There's also a possibility we'll have a nice, big, beautiful agreement," Trump said, according to news agency ANI.

On Friday, while addressing a rally in Florida, Trump warned that Washington could launch another military operation against Iran.

"We may do another little Epic Fury," he said, referring to the name given to the US military campaign against Iran.

The warning came amid reports that Tehran was preparing to target undersea communications cables in the Gulf if Washington and Tel Aviv resumed their military campaign.

The conflict began on February 28, when the US and Israel launched strikes against Iran, targeting military infrastructure and the offices and residences of its leaders. The strikes killed Iran's then Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Trump also praised the US military's role in the conflict, claiming that American forces had inflicted heavy losses on Iran.

"We have done an amazing job. Our Navy and military have done an amazing job. They have knocked out every jet fighter of Iran. 259 ships are at the bottom of the sea. They (Iran) are only left with record inflation," he said.

TRUMP QUESTIONS IRAN'S WILLINGNESS TO HONOUR A PEACE DEAL

Trump also questioned whether Iran would honour any agreement reached with Washington, saying, "They want to make a deal, but the problem is, will they hold the deal?"

The US President has maintained that his administration wants to prevent Iran from developing a nuclear weapon. He has suggested that military action remains an option even as he holds out the prospect of a negotiated settlement, Middle East Eye reported.

IRAN DENIES MAKING A NEW PROPOSAL TO OPEN STRAIT OF HORMUZ

Meanwhile, Iran has denied making a new proposal to Pakistani mediators to reopen the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for the US lifting its naval blockade, according to ANI, which cited the IRGC-affiliated Tasnim news agency.

The denial followed a report by a Saudi Arabian media outlet claiming that Tehran had offered a new proposal to resolve the dispute over the strategic waterway.

Citing sources familiar with the matter, Tasnim rejected the report, describing the claims as "a lie and fabrication", according to Press TV.

- Ends