Trump Leaves Further Military Action Against Iran Open

President Donald Trump said Thursday that he would prefer not to destroy more of Iran but might do so, and that the United States would decide soon whether to take further action. He did not announce a new strike, identify targets or provide a timetable for a decision. Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office after meeting with national security advisers, Trump described the choice as whether to go further to prevent Iran from rebuilding its nuclear capabilities. He also said U.S. forces were “locked and loaded” if further action became necessary. His remarks leave open the possibility of renewed military operations as well as continued pressure or diplomacy. Trump estimated that Iran would need 25 years to rebuild. In other remarks reported from the briefing, he put the period at 25 to 30 years, attributing that range to a regional ally. The estimates were statements about rebuilding time, not a forecast of when a decision would be made. Two U.S. officials said the meeting was Trump’s first with his national security advisers on Iran since the midterm elections. The administration has not announced which course it will take. The reported options include additional strikes,...