Trump says US is "locked and loaded" for possible Iran strikes, but no decision made

Summary

US President Donald Trump said on Thursday that the United States remains "locked and loaded" for potential strikes on Iran, but that no decision has been made. Reports say Tehran has submitted a nuclear proposal amid ongoing peace talks. Trump told reporters he would "rather not destroy the rest of the country if possible, but maybe I'll have to," and said Iran could take 25 years to rebuild following the US-Israeli war. "You'll know soon enough," he said.

Timeline

1. Hindustan Times

   5 Nov 2026, 22:18 UTCSource ↗

   Reports that Trump says the US remains "locked and loaded" for potential strikes on Iran, while Tehran reportedly submits a nuclear proposal amid ongoing peace talks.

2. Middle East Eye

   5 Nov 2026, 23:23 UTCSource ↗

   Reports that Trump said on Thursday Iran could take 25 years to rebuild after the US-Israeli war, and told reporters "I would rather not destroy the rest of the country if possible, but maybe I'll have to."