Archive · 1 Oct 2026
Trump says US-Iran war could end soon amid strike threat
President Donald Trump said the fighting between the United States and Iran might end soon.
He said the United States must choose between attacking Iran again or making an agreement.
Trump said 18 Americans had died in the conflict.
He also compared that number with about 4,500 US deaths in Iraq.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said American attacks had badly damaged Iran’s military and nuclear plans.
Meanwhile, talks between the two countries reportedly stopped making progress.
One report said Secretary of State Marco Rubio told Iran’s delegation to leave New York.
Another source said the delegation had already planned to leave that night.
President Donald Trump said the war with Iran could end “very soon.”
Trump said the United States faces a choice between striking Iran and reaching a deal.
Trump said 18 Americans had died in the conflict, while citing about 4,500 US deaths in Iraq.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth claimed US forces had destroyed Iran’s military capabilities and weakened its nuclear ambitions.
Reports differed over whether Secretary of State Marco Rubio ordered Iran’s delegation to leave New York after negotiations stalled.
- Who
- US President Donald Trump, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi were among the officials mentioned.
- What
- Trump said the United States could either launch further strikes against Iran or reach a deal, while reports described stalled negotiations.
- When
- Trump made the comments Wednesday; Araghchi’s delegation left New York Monday night and flew to Doha early Tuesday.
- Where
- The comments were reported from the White House and Quantico Marine base outside Washington, DC; the delegation left New York for Doha.
- Why
- Trump said the United States must decide whether to continue military action or pursue an agreement after negotiations stalled.
Military escalation
Negotiated settlement
How the conflict should proceed
Military escalation
Trump said the United States could “blow them up,” and Hegseth said US military operations had severely damaged Iran’s capabilities.
Negotiated settlement
Trump also identified making a deal as the alternative to further military action, while negotiations had reportedly been taking place.
- US deaths cited
- 18 people, according to Trump
- War outlook
- Trump said the conflict could end “very soon”
- Trump’s stated choice
- Further strikes against Iran or a deal
- Military claim
- Pete Hegseth said US forces destroyed Iran’s navy, air force, defense systems, leadership, and military-industrial capacity
- Negotiations
- Reports said US-Iran talks had stalled
- Iranian delegation
- Abbas Araghchi and his delegation left New York for Doha
- Departure dispute
- One US official said Marco Rubio ordered the delegation out; another source said its departure was already scheduled