Trump refuses to clarify his intentions regarding Iran: ‘I may do it. I may not do it. Nobody knows what I’m going to do’

Donald Trump ordered the installation of two large American flags in front of the White House, with “the most magnificent poles made,” in his ongoing hyperbole. This Wednesday, he accompanied the crews doing the work and lashed out at Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell, as is his custom. He spread outright lies about the economy and then answered a few questions about Iran, but refused to clarify whether he plans to join Israel in launching an attack on Tehran’s nuclear facilities. “I may do it. I may not do it. I mean, nobody knows what I’m going to do,” he said.

Trump had earlier insisted on demanding Tehran’s “unconditional surrender,” something he referred to as the “ultimatum.” “Iran’s got a lot of trouble, and they want to negotiate,” he said Wednesday. “And I said, ‘Why didn’t you negotiate with me before all this death and destruction? Why didn’t you negotiate?’ I said to people, ‘Why didn’t you negotiate with me two weeks ago? You could have done fine. You would have had a country,” he added.

The U.S. president asserted that the Iranian government had contacted his administration regarding the conflict and had even proposed a meeting at the White House to resolve the issue, but added that his patience with the Islamic Republic had already “run out.” “It’s very late to be talking,” Trump asserted. “There’s a big difference between now and a week ago.”

Trump, however, did not rule out talks, but hinted that he did not believe they would bear fruit. Asked if he thought it was too late, he replied: “Nothing’s too late. The only thing too late is Powell,” he said, referring to the chairman of the Federal Reserve, which is meeting this Wednesday to decide on interest rates, which Trump wants to lower.

Trump then returned to Iran. “I don’t know how much longer it’s going to go on. They’re totally defenseless. They have no air defense whatsoever. You know, we’ve totally captured the air,” the president said, declining to clarify whether the United States will launch its own attack on Iran.

Trump also answered a question about his Tuesday afternoon phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu after meeting with his National Security Council. “I said, ‘Go ahead,’” he replied.

Following that Tuesday meeting with his national security team, numerous sources told the U.S. media that Trump is considering entering the conflict, something he has sought to avoid from the outset. Israel lacks the bunker-busting bombs or large bomber aircraft needed to destroy Iran’s Fordow uranium enrichment plant, built deep underground inside a mountain, and therefore wants the United States to participate in the operation to dismantle Iran’s nuclear program.

Trump also noted Tuesday that Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is an “easy target,” although he added that the U.S. did not plan to target him at this time. Overall, the president’s messages and some of his actions, such as the deployment of tanker aircraft to the region, suggest Trump is willing to become directly involved in the conflict.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth also declined to reveal in an appearance before the Senate Armed Services Committee on Wednesday whether the U.S. military plans to actively assist Israel in its attacks against Iran, stating that the decision is Trump’s.

Hegseth told senators that his job is to provide military options to the president and that he cannot discuss matters related to military plans in a public appearance. “Most of what I can or should say would be reserved for a classified setting,” Hegseth responded to a question from New Hampshire Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen. “Obviously, any decisions on this matter are at the presidential level.” Following the public hearing, the session continued behind closed doors to discuss sensitive defense issues, although no clarification of U.S. plans regarding Iran was expected.

Khamenei warned the United States on Tuesday that Tehran will not surrender and that any military attack will have serious consequences. “Wise individuals who know Iran, its people, and its history never speak to this nation with the language of threats, because the Iranian nation is not one to surrender,” he said in a televised statement. “Americans should know that any military involvement by the U.S. will undoubtedly result in irreparable damage to them,” he said in response to the U.S. leader’s statements. He also addressed Israel, warning it has made a “huge mistake” and “will be punished for that.”

Iran has prepared missiles and other military equipment to attack U.S. bases in the Middle East should the United States join the conflict. Direct U.S. involvement could prompt the Iran-backed Houthi militia to resume attacks on ships in the Red Sea. This, in turn, would increase the risk that pro-Iranian militias in Iraq and Syria would attempt to attack U.S. bases there, escalating the conflict.

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