Trump threatens to ‘destroy the rest’ of Iran as US remains on military alert

• Trump threatened to destroy what remains of Iran, saying he would prefer not to but might have to.
• He said US forces remain “locked and loaded” for potential further military action.
• Trump praised Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth amid speculation over his future following Republican midterm losses.

US President Donald Trump threatened further destruction in Iran on Thursday, saying he would prefer not to devastate what remains of the country but could resort to additional military action if necessary, as Washington maintains pressure on Tehran amid uncertainty over the future of the conflict.

“I would rather not destroy the rest of the country if possible, but maybe I’ll have to,” Trump said, adding: “You will know soon enough.”

He also reiterated that the United States remains prepared to resume military operations, declaring that if Washington had to continue its campaign against Iran, US forces were “very much locked and loaded.”

The remarks signal that the possibility of renewed US strikes remains on the table despite ongoing diplomatic efforts to reach an agreement with Tehran.

Trump also praised Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, saying he had “done a fantastic job” as questions mount over his political future following Republican losses in the Nov.  3 midterm elections.

Hegseth has faced growing criticism over his role in the war, with some Republicans questioning the administration's handling of the conflict and whether the United States should have launched the campaign in the first place.

Trump's endorsement comes amid reports that the administration could consider replacing Hegseth as Republicans face mounting pressure to account for the electoral losses. Reuters reported that some Trump advisers had discussed the possibility of removing the defense secretary, although the Pentagon has said he remains committed to serving through the end of Trump's term. 

The election results have also intensified scrutiny of the war's political and economic costs. Vice President JD Vance acknowledged that the conflict contributed to the Republican defeat, saying the war was a reason voters turned against the party. Trump, however, has defended the decision to attack Iran and maintained that the campaign was justified. 

The latest threats come as diplomatic efforts continue to avert a return to large-scale fighting. Washington has maintained that it remains prepared to resume military operations, while Tehran has warned that any renewed US attack would provoke a forceful response.

Read more: Trump admits war on Iran responsible for election loss but ‘we had to do it’