Donald Trump appears poised to escalate Iran war after U.S., Israeli elections

President Donald Trump has suggested the possibility of renewed military action against Iran as early as Sunday, though he noted he is also open to a diplomatic agreement. Speaking to reporters in Florida on Saturday, Trump expressed doubt regarding whether Tehran would honor a deal, stating that while they want to make one, the problem is whether they will hold it.

At a campaign rally in Florida, he warned of another military operation, referring to a previous campaign as "Epic Fury," should Iran fail to reach an agreement. According to the National Post, Trump has already sent 10,000 additional sailors and Marines and a third aircraft carrier strike group toward the Persian Gulf to increase options for U.S. commanders if hostilities are restarted.

Trump stated that Iran wants a deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, but the Hindustan Times - World News reports that Iran has denied proposing to reopen the waterway in exchange for lifting a U.S. naval blockade. The Hindustan Times - World News further notes that Iran denied putting forward such an initiative through Pakistani mediators.

During his remarks, Trump also defended his administration's military strategy in West Asia, claiming the U.S. Navy and military have knocked out every Iranian jet fighter and that 259 ships are at the bottom of the sea.

During a rally in Cleveland, Ohio, former President Barack Obama criticized the Trump administration regarding the Iran war and high consumer prices. Obama, speaking ahead of the November 3 midterm elections, described the administration's actions as "foolishness" and used the campaign event to show support for Sherrod Brown and Amy Acton.

Brief written by urgent.news from National Post, Times of India, Live Mint, Hindustan Times - World News — 4 reports on this story. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.