Middle East Tensions Spike as Trump Weighs Iran Options

Tensions across the Middle East escalated sharply over the weekend as the United States and Iran exchanged severe military warnings, maritime trade routes faced fresh attacks, and diplomatic efforts struggled to contain a widening regional conflict. President Donald Trump stated he is in "deciding mode" on next steps regarding Iran, presenting options that range from a diplomatic deal to military action. Trump told Fox News that Iran's leaders must "make a deal, rot economically or be wiped out," adding that "very big things are going to be happening in the not-so-distant future." He said he would probably be open to meeting Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York this week. The White House did not publicly explain why Trump abruptly cut short a weekend at Camp David and returned to the White House on Saturday evening. Iran responded with its own stark warnings. A spokesman for the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps stated that any new U.S. attack would trigger sustained retaliation against American bases and regional allies, who would be considered parties to the conflict.