Trump Teeters on Military Escalation Against Iran

US President Donald Trump has hinted at a possible military escalation against Iran, stating that he could 'annihilate' the country in the coming weeks. However, he stopped short of committing to another major military campaign.

In an interview with Axios, Trump said he had a 'big decision' to make regarding his approach to the Iranian regime. The decision comes ahead of the United Nations General Assembly next week, where Trump is expected to meet with leaders from the Gulf states, including Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

The US has maintained a naval blockade on Iran's oil exports, preventing them from reaching their destination, while imposing sweeping sanctions designed to cripple the Iranian economy. Tehran has held firm despite these measures, maintaining its own blockade in the Strait of Hormuz, which affects oil shipments worldwide.