Trump Suggests US May Have to 'Destroy' Rest of Iran, Warns 'You'll Know Soon Enough'

Former President Trump recently issued a provocative statement suggesting the United States might need to "destroy" the remainder of Iran, indicating that such an action could necessitate a 25-year rebuilding period for the country. These remarks were made in the Oval Office following discussions with his national security team, against the backdrop of an ongoing eight-month conflict with Iran. Trump also asserted that Iran is unable to advance its nuclear program without U.S. consent.

Separately, President Trump announced on Election Day that the U.S. would cease its annual military aid to Israel, amounting to approximately $3.8 billion, by the end of 2026. This decision, conveyed during a Fox News interview, precedes the scheduled expiration of an existing memorandum of understanding by two years.

The announcement caused significant concern in Israel, with President Isaac Herzog describing the news as "like a bolt from the blue." While Trump claimed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was amenable to the aid cut, Netanyahu has not publicly addressed the matter. The decision has drawn criticism from Israeli opposition figures, who noted the strategic shift was learned through media reports.