Trump says he ‘doesn’t really want’ Iran peace deal as US weighs new strikes
At a campaign rally, Trump downplayed a peace deal with Iran even as US officials consider fresh military options.
By Felo News Desk · Published
President Donald Trump told supporters at a San Antonio rally on Oct. 8 that a peace deal with Iran is not his priority, even as US officials discuss new military options ahead of the midterm elections.
What happened
During the rally, Trump said the war with Iran would end “very soon” but added, “I think the deal isn’t really something that I want to do, but they’re willing to offer us anything to stop.” He also described Iran as a “failed nation” with little remaining strength. The remarks came after indirect nuclear talks in New York and a recent US rejection of an Iranian proposal for a seven‑day cease‑fire to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
What the reports add
Independent’s longer bulletin notes that NBC News reported a US official and a second source said the president’s national‑security team is weighing large‑scale strikes on Iran in the coming weeks, potentially timed before the November midterms. A Department of Defense official told NBC that the department’s role is to develop and present military options to the president. A White House official said the United States is in a “very strong position.”
The same bulletin also recorded civilian casualties from recent attacks on Saudi airports: three people killed and more than 30 injured in strikes on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh and Abha airport.
What was said
“I think the deal isn’t really something that I want to do, but they’re willing to offer us anything to stop,” Trump told the crowd, according to Independent.
A Department of Defense official told NBC News, “The department’s job is to develop and present military options to the president.”
A White House official said the United States “is in a very strong position.”
How it came about
Trump’s comments follow a series of statements linking Iran to the ongoing war, including his September 22 warning at the UN that the United States could “annihilate” Iran if a nuclear deal is not reached (previous Felo coverage). Earlier in October, he claimed Iran was bombing drug factories (Felo report) and warned the war would end soon with a new deal (Felo analysis). The current rally remarks echo those earlier messages while indicating a shift toward a less enthusiastic stance on a peace agreement.
Key facts
- Trump told a San Antonio rally that a peace deal with Iran is not his priority (independent.co.uk)
- US officials are reportedly discussing new large‑scale strikes on Iran ahead of the midterm elections (independent.co.uk)
- Recent attacks on Saudi airports killed three people and injured more than 30 (independent.co.uk)
- Washington rejected an Iranian proposal for a seven‑day cease‑fire to reopen the Strait of Hormuz (independent.co.uk)
Timeline
- 2026-09-22 — Trump warned the UN the US could annihilate Iran if no nuclear deal is reached
- 2026-09-30 — Iranian Guard spokesman said war ends only if US admits defeat
- 2026-10-03 — Trump claimed Iran bombed drug factories and a crude oil tanker was struck off Oman
