Trump says US can strike remaining Iranian nuclear sites in 10 minutes

President Donald Trump claimed the United States can destroy the remaining Iranian nuclear facilities in just ten minutes. He made the statement on Sunday, noting that only one or two sites, including Pickaxe Mountain, are left to target. Trump said a plan is ready for immediate execution.

The remarks came hours after Trump spoke by phone with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. A Wall Street Journal report indicated the call occurred as Washington prepares to resume strikes on Iran. Trump had earlier discussed resuming military operations with senior commanders. The group included CENTCOM commander Admiral Brad Cooper, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and Joint Chiefs Chairman General Dan Caine.

Trump expressed skepticism about Iranian diplomacy during the address. He stated that Iran wants an agreement but often backs out. He added that the US will see if Tehran actually signs a deal. This diplomatic posture exists alongside active military preparations for a potential conflict.

The Pentagon has reinforced air defense systems and ammunition in the Middle East over recent weeks. Forces are being repositioned from bases vulnerable to Iranian retaliation. Ten US Air Force transport aircraft arrived at Israeli Air Force bases in southern Israel last week. These planes, which departed from Fort Bliss in Texas, likely carried air defense systems. Other aircraft in the convoy landed in Jordan, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia.

Political timing complicates the military buildup. Congressional midterm elections take place this Tuesday, November 3. The war in Iran and rising fuel prices weigh on Republican support. Defense officials assess that the White House will not order an operation before the elections unless it detects preparations for a surprise Iranian attack. Israel’s defense establishment has remained ambiguous about its own escalation preparations.

Tehran has issued mixed signals regarding the conflict. Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei ordered military commanders to prepare for an immediate response to any new attack. He said this response would have no geographical limits. General Ali Abdollahi, the Iranian Chief of Staff, warned that Iran has expanded its list of potential targets. He stated that Iran would determine the end date of any new war.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the administration prefers a diplomatic agreement. He noted that if President Trump wanted to act militarily, he would have done so weeks or months ago. Rubio clarified that the United States possesses all necessary capabilities for a successful operation. The US has also reportedly transferred an additional Patriot system to the region. An additional US naval aircraft carrier and a Marine unit are expected to join American forces in the area.

Two weeks ago, dozens of Israeli fighter jets flew to the Iranian border before returning. This practice sortie was reported by Axios citing US and Israeli officials. Currently, talks with Iran and military preparations are proceeding in parallel. It remains unclear whether diplomatic contacts will yield an agreement or if the US will resume strikes after the elections.