US President Trump: Making Decision on Iran, May Be Willing to Meet Iranian President

TradingKey - U.S. President Donald Trump stated in a telephone interview with Fox News reporter Trey Yingst that he is making a decision on whether to launch a devastating military strike against Iran, adding, "My question is, do I and when do I level the whole country? They better shape up." The threatening remark came a day after Trump returned early to the White House from Camp David, shortening his scheduled weekend getaway. He said he is currently in "decision mode" regarding the Iran issue and that "very big events will happen in the not-too-distant future."

As of now, the conflict between the U.S. and Iran has entered its eighth month, and Trump is facing growing pressure to end the hostilities. The conflict has tightened global oil supplies, driving up gasoline and diesel prices significantly. Trump revealed that he is weighing three options: completely destroying Iran through military strikes, allowing the Iranian regime to "fail on its own" economically, or reaching a deal to end the war, though Iran has so far refused to reach a relevant agreement.

As of September 20, WTI crude oil (USOIL) was priced at $95.47, while Brent crude oil was priced at $103.21.

Last Friday, the U.S. House of Representatives voted for the third time to pass a measure requiring Trump to seek congressional approval before taking military action against Iran, with seven Republican lawmakers voting in favor of the bill.

On Saturday, the day Trump returned to the White House, the U.S. Department of State issued a security alert to American citizens across the Middle East, citing "the potential for unintended escalation." The alert came as Iranian-backed Houthi forces were launching ballistic missile attacks against Saudi Arabia.

On Sunday, Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting released a statement from the Iranian armed forces, saying military intelligence indicates that "the U.S., with the tacit consent of certain regional countries, has decided once again to resume operations against Iran following a joint meeting in a European country."

In addition, according to Fox News, Trump said in the interview that he "might be open" to meeting with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian during the United Nations General Assembly this week, with Pezeshkian traveling to New York next week. Despite recent security alerts, Trump described the past weekend as "no different than any other weekend" and revealed that the U.S. has maintained communication with the Houthis, who have agreed not to fight the U.S.