Trump Considers 'Annihilating' Iran in Major War Decision

Former President Donald Trump revealed on Thursday that he is contemplating a major decision regarding military action in Iran, specifically whether to "annihilate them" to end the war. "I have a big decision coming up. Do I want to go in and annihilate them or do I not?" Trump told Axios. "It's a big decision. Anything could happen with me."

These remarks echo previous threats Trump has made against Tehran since the conflict began. His potential next steps, he indicated, could be influenced by discussions with Gulf allies at the upcoming United Nations General Assembly meeting. "I want to find out where they are and how they are doing. We have been very protective of them," Trump added.

Tensions are expected to be heightened at the UN gathering following recent attacks by the Iran-backed Houthis on Saudi Arabia, which have raised concerns about global oil and gas supplies. Earlier on Thursday, the UN Security Council saw a division as Russia and China vetoed a proposal to extend an expert panel tasked with monitoring sanctions against Iran and its nuclear program.

Beijing and Moscow have frequently been accused of supporting Iran's military operations during the war. Jennifer Locetta, a U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, criticized the vetoes as an "act of obstructionism," characterizing them as indicative of Russia and China's backing of "rogue regimes."

In related developments, Iran has allegedly targeted U.S. aircraft, with two unmanned MQ-1 Predator drones reportedly shot down in recent days, according to CBS News. These older-model drones, valued at approximately $4 million each, have been utilized in protecting the Strait of Hormuz under the U.S. naval blockade. The U.S. has reported losing at least 24 MQ-9 Reaper drones since the war commenced, amounting to an estimated $720 million in losses, according to a Congressional Budget Office report released this week.

Iran has maintained that its actions against U.S. military forces and assets in the Middle East will persist until its control over the Strait of Hormuz is acknowledged. With peace negotiations stalled, Iran's regime has issued an ultimatum, stating the strait will remain closed until Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu are removed from power. Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr, a political adviser to Iran's Supreme Leader, stated, "Our fighters will not open the Strait of Hormuz until the criminal Trump and the bloodthirsty Netanyahu are pulled down from the seat of power, and this is the first stage of the Iranian nation’s revenge."