US has to 'take care' of one or two Iran targets - Trump

US President Donald Trump has cautioned that the United States still has one or two potential targets in Iran to address, despite claims that the nation's military and nuclear capabilities have been significantly weakened by recent strikes. These remarks come as Iran has threatened a major retaliation to any further military action.

Trump stated on October 31st that ongoing negotiations with Iran, which began in February following US and Israeli strikes, were making progress, but he emphasized that Iran remains an unreliable partner in discussions. He maintained that the majority of Iran's military capabilities and nuclear program had already been destroyed, asserting that taking out one or two remaining sites could be accomplished swiftly.

The President specifically mentioned "Pickaxe Mountain," a suspected underground nuclear facility, as one of the remaining targets that could be attacked in just ten minutes. However, Iran has denied any nuclear activities at this location.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed that Trump has not yet decided on launching additional strikes against Iran, stating that the United States remains open to a diplomatic solution. Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Khamenei, has issued a stern warning against renewed military aggression by the US and Israel. Khamenei vowed that any provocation would be met with an immediate, significant, and geographically unrestricted response.

He further instructed commanders to update the country's target list to include assets belonging to the United States and Israel.

The escalating tensions have raised concerns over potential disruption to global energy supplies, as Iran has restricted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial waterway responsible for about one-fifth of global oil trade. Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps reported that a vessel passing through the strait had struck a mine and caught fire, and three oil tankers were halted due to unspecified incidents or mine strikes.

The restrictions have caused global energy prices to rise, putting additional pressure on Trump ahead of the upcoming US midterm elections.

In an attempt to avert further conflict, Qatar and Pakistan are continuing diplomatic efforts. Qatari mediators arrived in Tehran on October 30th, while US Vice President Mike Pence sent a letter to Iran's security chief, Mohsen Rezaei, expressing softened US tone. Rezaei acknowledged receiving the letter and noted a significant change in Washington's approach, describing it as a positive development.

However, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that there are currently no plans for direct meetings with US officials, asserting that Tehran's conditions are being discussed through mediators. Rezaei also reiterated that Iran would continue limiting shipping through the Strait of Hormuz until its demands, including the release of frozen Iranian assets, are met.

Iranian military spokesman Mohammad Akraminia warned that any renewed hostilities would expand the conflict beyond its current geographical boundaries, predicting a wider geographical involvement. Araghchi also stated that there would be no longer any "red lines."